The S.H.I.N.E. Syndrome
[Note from the Proprietor: This is one of an ongoing series of posts called Scenes From a Sidewalk. Want to know what it's all about? Follow that link to read the series introduction.]
OK; I admit it. I’m an (sound of terrified scream) optimist.
Admittedly, that may come as a shock to those of you who are aware of my current job situation. Alas; by the time you read this, I may have been ‘downsized’. (Psst. Anyone know of a need for a first-class Mechanical Project Manager with lots of worldwide experience?)And it definitely flies in the face of the current (sound of heartfelt sobbing) Big Picture. You know the one I mean, right: the on you hear about on the daily news?
But I just can’t help it; I tend to see the sunny side of things. At least, eventually.
Anyway, if you’ve spent any time at all in the Middle Zone, you’ve probably come to that conclusion too. (Or, you just assumed I was, y’know, insane.) It’s not my fault – really! Hey, I can’t help it if there’s so much zany stuff goin’ on all around me. I sometimes think it follows me around, y’know?
It’s what I call the S.H.I.N.E. Syndrome: Seeing Humor In Nearly Everything.
Take, for instance, this one particular mosey down the sidewalk…
Meet… Frank
So, I’m strollin’ along, enjoying the beautiful fall weather, when I just happen to look up and see the scene pictured here. Look closely at the middle of the photo. Now, what do you see?
If you’re anything like me (and sincere condolences if you are), then you may have noticed the smilin’ face up there on that utility pole. (See the smile and the weird square glasses?) Yep; there he is, just smilin’ away, as if at some private joke. (Hmm… now that I think about it, I wonder… is he laughing with me or at me?)
Anyhoo – since I see this guy pretty much every day, and because we’ve kinda gotten to know each other (if you get my meanin’) – I’ve decided to call him… Frank. (Don’t ask why.)
I guess my point is (and yes, I do have a point – and it ain’t the one on top of my head), when you’re in the midst of your busy – and often high-stress – days, stop, take a moment, and look around you. You might just find something that’ll lift your spirits, no matter what’s goin’ on in your life.
Trust me; if you can manage it, you’ll be glad you did. It’s better for your health, your frame of mind, and (perhaps most importantly), your fellow workers will appreciate it, too.
Really!
Oh, and by the way, Frank says “Howdy!”
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Photo: Don’t Worry; Be Happy, by Robert Hruzek
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26 responses so far
Middle Zone Musings is a comfortable place to stop, have a cup of coffee, swap a few stories and share practical ideas for the real world. I don't ask for much, just a bit of your brain every now and then. Have a seat, take a load off, and relax...
You teach us so well about the importance of finding humour nearly everywhere. Thanks, and good luck today
Joanna Youngs last blog post..Allowing Ourselves to be Successful – Guest Post by Alex Fayle
Being open to looking for humor is big, Robert. So easy to get caught up in ourselves. Many days I watch a red shouldered hawk being harassed by a mockingbird or crow — either of which he could wipe out with one blow — just sit and take it. I’ve decided he must see the humor of the situation, and just be laughing at their antics. Thanks for making the point!
Jim Hughess last blog post..Grief: A Strategy for Handling Anniversary Days
That’s a fabulous outlook on life
Makes me smile just to think of it.
Alex @ 0845 numberss last blog post..New Year price cuts on overseas calls
Finding something to laugh at any old place is a great talent and your reminder to us to look for that is very timely in these times – which have the potential to be gloomy if we are not paying attention! As is usually the case your WILF topic challenges me – but in the spirit of SHINE I will do my very best.
… actually my avatar on your blog makes me smile…the similarities with the real me are remarkable
@Joanna – Thanks, I appreciate the thoughts!
@Jim – I agree, Jim; sometimes it’s best to just keep on truckin’, y’know? But on the other hand, I’ve seen that same big bird/little bird thing too. I’ve often wondered why the big guy doesn’t just turn and, y’know, *chomp*! Either way, problem solved!
@Alex – Hey, thanks for dropping by, Alex!
@Jackie – Thanks for your kind words. And I look forward to your SHINE!
And as for the avatar… I noticed it too, but didn’t want to say anything…
With your attitude it’s hard to believe you won’t do just fine. Thanks for sharing your adventures in life.
Jean Browman–Cheerful Monks last blog post..Going On an Artist’s Date
Robert,
Thanks for being a bright spot of positivity and humor. I just read a blog about the current economic situation, and I came away feeling down. Your post lifted me back up again.
Good luck in your job search. Aren’t you a member of the largest fraternity in the world? Someone in the Aggie network is bound to know somebody who knows somebody.
@Jean – Hey, I’m just proud that you’d choose to share some of your with me! Glad to count you as a friend, Jean!
@Lillie – You’re right; that is a large fraternity. Unfortunately, I’m only half an Aggie, since I didn’t – quite – graduate from there. *sigh*
Robert, it is a blessing to find humor in the everyday moments of life. If we look for the good it is there, if we seek the bad, well it’s there too. I’d rather see the good.
I’m with ya, Karen! I’d much rather find the fun stuff than that old ugly bad stuff any day!
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..The S.H.I.N.E. Syndrome
I am also a S.H.I.N.E. person. My family always comments, ‘It isn’t that funny!’ But, to me…ahhhhh life does have it’s moments. And, I would rather be laughing, than wallowing in split milk. Even that may have some humor or two!!!
Annies last blog post..21st Century Disciple
@Annie – Welcome to the Middle Zone, Annie, where everything is twisted just a slight bit out of kilter, and there’s humor in nearly everything.
Bob,
First off, as far as knowing job opportunities, there’s CSC where I work, then Power Engineers (based in Hailey, Idaho) that I’d suggest to anyone wanting to work in a positive, progressive environment – meaning they really do care about employees and have a lot of fun together outside work, then there’s recruiters who I know.
My wife just went to work for ACS based in Dallas. Her position is in D.C. writing proposals. She gets paid roughly twice what she made at the company she just left two weeks ago. There are still success stories going on out there despite the horrid economy and we’d like to help you and others become one.
Personally, I think your positive attitude makes you a great fit for the ever-expanding Power Engineers Inc. They are in great position to use your talents to help rebuild America’s infrastructure under the Obama Plan.
Will pray and help any way possible.
-Sam
Sams last blog post..Shore Hits Mark with “Mount” Speech Satire
Oh great! Thanks for the heads up! I will definitely put an entry in!
@Sam – I’ll tell ya, Sam, those are truly encouraging words! I’ll be in touch shortly to talk about those folks you mentioned. I wouldn’t mind doing proposals and things that would utilize my higher degrees, too.
I’ve always said that in a down economy, a well-run smaller company is far more agile than any larger one as a matter of course. All I need is find one that needs my particular talents, and we’re on!
Thanks for your prayers and encouragement, Bubba, and a tip o’ the Stetson to ya!
@Madlen – Looking forward to seein’ yer entry, Madlen!
Robert, you got my credit here, as you’ve managed to elaborate the “SHINE” into a even more meaningful and humor words, way to go!
Hi!
Your vision could be more than inspiring to everyone. What you are describing is simply “living the present moment”. I don’t know if you have read Eckhart Tolle, but with this state of mind we could achieve what Eckhart is talking about: to live completely in the present moment.
Very nice blog. The syndrome is called SHINE – it’s a cool words game although I believe happyness and humor are in everything (without the “nearly”)
@Wilson – Hey, thanks, Wilson! SHINE on, Bubba!
@Alex – Never read him, Alex, so I guess I’ll take your word for it. And I do believe there are times when the situation ISN’T humorous. But over time, yes, things can remain positive, no matter what.
[...] being Robert, a man who can See Humor in Nearly Everything, asked me who the weird chap standing behind us [...]