Positive People

Last week, I wrote about a wonderful friend. Last evening, she escorted me to a charity benefit that I attend every year. We sat at a table of people whom I know and several others that I know were nearby. Then, my friend noticed someone at the next table who we had both known several years ago. My stepfather never sat down, but he was right there next to our table almost the entire evening. My sister and her significant other stopped by as well.

I should have prefaced all this by saying that this annual event has been quite boring to me and always seemed too long and drawn out. This year, though, while still just as long, I had a blast! Last night, as I was trying to unwind enough to go to sleep, I started wondering what made the difference. It didn't take me long to figure out what it was... positive people.

I had asked a cousin to save us seats. She had no idea what an impact crowds and crowded places does to me. Yet, by coincidence, or mental telepathy or whatever, she had reserved a table in a room adjacent to the main room for the event. This resulted in us having lots of open space around us and even a couple empty seats at our table. Plus, the rest of the table was filled with family who know how to have a good time. This, more than likely, also contributed to my being relaxed and able to have a good time. There actually was one grump at our table, but he was at the opposite end of the table so he didn't interfere with me. There is always one, isn't there. I figure he is related somehow, but never did figure out who he was!

There were a few comments about things dragging out, but other than that, everyone was upbeat and fun to be with. Another contributing factor was probably the fact that they all knew that I have FTD and didn't react when I stuttered or stumbled. They might have had a couple chuckles after I  left, but that's fine with me because I laugh at myself some days too!

My friend always knows someone, no matter where we go. I had not seen our old friend for five years and because of circumstances in her life, it happened abruptly. I shouldn't call her "old" she is way younger than my friend and me. Now, I have a luncheon to look forward to us since we made plans to get together, the three of us and one of her friends.

These things don't happen when I am surrounded by "Negative Nellies," people who complain all the time and have grumpy faces.  Surrounding myself with positive people is definitely something I should consciously do. The difference is just amazing. FTD tends to be a depressing illness. It is so very frustrating and gets more and more so as it progresses. It steals from you the things you used to be able to do without even thinking about it. I cannot begin to explain what impact that has on my life. Being with positive people rubs off on me to the point that I cannot have a bad time. When having fun, the frustrating things don't seem to matter as much. I can enjoy myself!

Post FTD, I have not gone out in the evening very often because by then, the daily frustrations have become to much and I need to retreat to a calm and quiet place. So it was truly amazing that I was able to be relaxed enough to enjoy myself.

One amusing thing that happened last night is that I won a raffle prize. I have been attending this event for about ten years and have never won a darned thing. See how much better things are when you are having fun? Yes, I know it had no effect. My sister also claimed that she had blessed my tickets and that is why I won. Uh, no to that one too!