The way we view our lives always seems to be based on how we see the glass… half-full or half-empty… what we have, and what we don’t. Many of us spend the better part of our days chasing that which is beyond our reach, without reflecting on what has been accomplished.

When we see the glass half-empty, our insecurities, sense of purpose and contributions seem meaningless. Depression sets in and before too long we become motionless on the sea of life. We don’t like our homes, friends, families and most of all, ourselves. Some even capitalize on our shortcomings. It’s very interesting….when we look at our lives from a negative perspective, before you know it, standing right next to you is someone who adds their two cents. On the other hand, when we see the glass half-full, our sense of accomplishment becomes clearer, and the energy and confidence that is needed to thrust us forward is provided. Our hearts become open to lend a hand to those in need. The choice of how we see the glass is up to us.

Choices are never easy, and sometimes downright painful. Standing in the middle of a field, you see two fences on opposite sides. One is higher than the other, and that one falls under the glass half-full. To succeed in life requires energy, effort and faith. To climb over the higher fence may not be easy, but it can be done, and before too long that glass will become fuller and fuller until one day it overflows. The easy way out is to tackle the lower fence. No effort is required, and chances never need to be taken. But the problem with this fence is that before you know it, the glass runs dry. Watching from the sidelines are the fans…some cheering you on, some calling you a bum. Inside all of us is the strength to block out the negative voices and rise to the cheers.

The best glass of all is the one with the clear water that you can see right through….pure, calm, from which good things spring forth. Pollution has been removed from this glass. For this glass to exist, much work was performed. The task was not always easy…but there it is for all to see that it can be done, preserved and maintained. The well of life runs through all of us, and the purity of the water affects all. As with the glass, we are also responsible for the upkeep of the well. The purer the water, the stronger the well.

May your glass be full,

Jennifer Avalon
© 1999 Jennifer Avalon