UPBEAT TIMES, INC. • August 2016 • 17 by Marcia Singer • www.lovearts.info


Santa Rosa, CA. ~ . [pro noy uh] An Upbeat Times enthusiast emailed me the other day asking, “How can you be so


upbeat, when


there’s so much wrong with the world?!


Isn’t that


just being a Pol- lyanna, indulging in wishful think- ing?” As any of us might struggle sometimes with this question, I’d like to address it by re-introducing a Greek word which inspires me greatly –pro- noia. While irrepressibly opti- mistic Pollyannas are oſt en con- sidered to be naïve or superfi cial, to be avoiding facing the ‘reality’ of pain and suff ering –they may actually be pronoids: people who consciously choose to view the events and circumstances of their lives in a benefi cial way. Pronoia is the opposite of


It


Living the Upbeat Life August’s word: PRONOIA


paranoia, denoting a delusional person who believes the world is conspiring against him, or to harm her.


comes from the Greek words para (beyond) and noia (mind, troubled


thought). However,


pronoia is all about believ-


ing the world is conspiring to bless you, to help, assist, support and love you at every turn. It’s about trust- ing in Life’s basic goodness, and that we each deserve to be well.


In its essence,


being a pronoid is about having proactive faith! A devout pronoiac intends well being for themselves and oth- ers.


and words that inspire, elevate, S/he chooses to use ideas


and “don’t you just love” and “I so appreciate that!” – choosing to focus on what is pleasing in the environment whenever pos-


support and promote happiness. His or her imagination focuses on “wouldn’t it be wonderful if ”


sible. Sure, being a truly upbeat, cock-eyed optimist takes will- ingness, mindfulness and plenty of humor. --And daily practice. T e pronoia path may, for most of us, involve deep heal- ing around past hurts, as well, taking a dose of courage and patience. But what could be more worthwhile than shiſt ing into a habit of feeling as though Life is on your Side? Giv- ing the benefi t of the doubt? Expecting that something new, better, more blessed is unfold- ing? Try it for a week. See


if you can pretend your way into a new out-


look. Act as if it is true: you will be delighted at the results. Au- gust’s new ploy? In a word, pro- noia. ~Shining delight, Marcia


JOKES & Humor # 4


While working as a mall Santa, I had many children ask for electric trains. “If you get a train,” I would tell each one, “you know your dad is going to want to play with it too. Is that okay?”


The usual answer was a quick yes, but after I asked one boy this question, he became very quiet. Trying to move the conversation along, I asked what else he would like Santa to bring him. He promptly replied, “Another train.”


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UPBEAT TIMES, INC. • August 2016 • 17


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