KOCollins: Knee, remember man, the glass is half-full, yeah, even when it is empty ;). Things have been not the brightest in my woods either...but, we can't let that defeat us, and the jerks in the world win out eh? Besides man, you have helped set a great example in these forums, one that has influenced me, and I'm sure many others to be more generous too. Don't doubt that you have made many people here very happy, and that you got a lot of people here that hope your life gets brighter.
It's true, we are not like your friends and family living by you, but, behind these words are people, and I'm pretty sure everyone on GOG thinks you are one of the most excellent people out there. Keep that chin up man, we can't determine whether we have good fortune or bad, we can't control that, what we can control is how we are going to live and behave. By my estimation, you are a good person, and the worth of that, is more valuable than any inanimate object one can possess. If I have learned anything in life it is that true happiness comes not from stuff, but, from the goodness within our own hearts. Kudos to you Knee. You are one GOGer whos generoisty and great attitude I don't plan on ever forgetting. See man, the glass is always half-full. :D
It's funny. I was reading through the posts here and starting to think I wanted to write one about the glass always being half full but then I read yours quoted here. You did a fine job of making the key points so I don't know what I'd add to that except a little personal experience to back up what you've said.
About a decade ago I became disabled. I lost everything pretty much materially. I used to own a beautiful home, new truck, swimming pool, the works. I had a great career and was climbing upward. It all came crashing down though and I was left alone, divorced, separated from my children for long periods (any time was difficult for me to bear) and money has been tight ever since.
But rather than remain down and out about all of that I learned to appreciate the simple things in life and also to be very grateful for what I do have which is plenty. I have more than I need and much more than many poor people in this world. I have a wonderful supportive family and that is just priceless. I have great fun getting away from it all gaming and have a pretty decent mid range computer. I have a nice apartment now and plenty to eat. When I think about it really, I pretty much have it made. Sure there are things I'd like to have that maybe I will in time but honestly things are pretty damned good when I look at my life today.
So yeah, I lost a lot at one time and I won't ever be that well off again but I wound up fine on the other side. I am thankful to God for that and every good thing in my life. The glass sure is half full! It's all in how you choose to look at things and we always get that choice.
Happy New Year all! I wish the very best for you in this coming year, especially the ability to see just how good life really is when you have the basics covered. :-)