The Difference Between Us
What we allow in our minds can influence our lives31 total reviews
Comment from Susan Newell
Tom,
What a delightful story about finding positive things in life. I, too, had a father who always saw things in a negative life and lived in fear of everything that could go wrong. It wasn't an easy upbringing to overcome. But now, when I start to feel sorry for myself, I stop and thank God for all my blessings. I had heard of Fulghum's first book, but never read it. Oerhaps I can find time to do so now.
Sue
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2022
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Tom,
What a delightful story about finding positive things in life. I, too, had a father who always saw things in a negative life and lived in fear of everything that could go wrong. It wasn't an easy upbringing to overcome. But now, when I start to feel sorry for myself, I stop and thank God for all my blessings. I had heard of Fulghum's first book, but never read it. Oerhaps I can find time to do so now.
Sue
Comment Written 20-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2022
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Hello Sue,
My dad wasn't always negative, but I think I perceived some of his words that way. The bad part is that when I listen to my sons, I fear that I have passed on whatever negative thoughts I've had to them. If I could turn back the hands of time and give to my children a more uplifting and positive view of life, I would in a heartbeat. When we're young and still trying to find our way in life, we don't always pursue or even understand the better, more important issues of life.
If you can get some of Fulghum's books at the library, I would highly recommend reading them. He's so funny and has a certain degree of wisdom in the way he looks at things. His book True Love is most certainly worth looking up. Thanks so much for your fine comments gal. It's always a pleasure to hear from you.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
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You are welcome, Tom.
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
I really enjoyed your honest write here Tom. We all have our off days and you spent yours wisely and managed to dust off your pessimism by reading about someone else's life. I am the eternal optimist, I always see the positive in things, much to the annoyance of some of my friends who insist that I should be more practical and face up to things that are wrong and accept them. But for me, the more positive you are about life, the more positive things happen to you. Things can change dramatically from day to day and as you point out here: "what seems overwhelming today will seem trivial tomorrow". Your write is uplifting and will serve to improve the life of anyone reading your post today, much enjoyed, love Dolly x
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2022
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I really enjoyed your honest write here Tom. We all have our off days and you spent yours wisely and managed to dust off your pessimism by reading about someone else's life. I am the eternal optimist, I always see the positive in things, much to the annoyance of some of my friends who insist that I should be more practical and face up to things that are wrong and accept them. But for me, the more positive you are about life, the more positive things happen to you. Things can change dramatically from day to day and as you point out here: "what seems overwhelming today will seem trivial tomorrow". Your write is uplifting and will serve to improve the life of anyone reading your post today, much enjoyed, love Dolly x
Comment Written 20-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2022
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Hello Dolly,
Thanks so much for your positive comments gal. I perceived that you were quite the optimist, and I thank God for folks like you. It takes two wings to fly a plane and you supply the part that I may need. I agree with you, I think that good things happen to those who expect to find good things. I'm always glad to hear from you gal.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
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Thank you for your sweet reply Tom x x x
Comment from Tom Horonzy
How would we know pain if we hadn't experience joy, the one exception being the very first one life brewed up for us. You write interesting subjects and they consistently seem to be contributors to life lessons.
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2022
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How would we know pain if we hadn't experience joy, the one exception being the very first one life brewed up for us. You write interesting subjects and they consistently seem to be contributors to life lessons.
Comment Written 20-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2022
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Hello Tom,
You certainly bring up a good point about pain and joy. It kind of helps to put everything in perspective. I'm pleased that you find the subjects I write about interesting. I don't plan on them being life lessons, but if they turn out that way, I guess that 's good, as long as I don't direct anyone the wrong way. Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment. It's good to hear from you.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
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Brothers of different mothers?
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You might be right Tom. We seem to agree on a lot.
Comment from Wendy G
What an excellent piece of writing, because what you say is true - our outlook and state of mind is very influenced by what we feed into it. Your honesty is refreshing and I am sure it will resonate with many, as it does with me.
Wendy
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2022
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What an excellent piece of writing, because what you say is true - our outlook and state of mind is very influenced by what we feed into it. Your honesty is refreshing and I am sure it will resonate with many, as it does with me.
Wendy
Comment Written 20-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2022
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Hello Wendy,
Thanks so much for the wonderful review and comments. I'm kind of blown away by the generous reviews and feedback of so many on this site. I wish I had the discipline to remember my many blessings when I start to get down in the dumps over life issues. I appreciate your time in reading and commenting. You're very kind.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
Comment from lyenochka
Thank you for sharing how you changed your outlook by reading up on Robert Fulghum! I only knew about his first best seller so it was fun to learn about his other stories. And yes, it's a good perspective to have - that God isn't out to get us and we can accept these things happen in life.
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2022
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Thank you for sharing how you changed your outlook by reading up on Robert Fulghum! I only knew about his first best seller so it was fun to learn about his other stories. And yes, it's a good perspective to have - that God isn't out to get us and we can accept these things happen in life.
Comment Written 19-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2022
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Hello Helen,
Thanks so much for the fine review and comments. Robert is such a talented man. I love the way he looks at life. I really need a long term solution for my attitude, but in the interim, I'll take whatever help I can get.
Have a blessed evening gal.
Tom
Comment from Gloria ....
A very well written personal reflection, Tom. By the sounds of it, your attitude is more positive than you give it credit for, and perhaps that is a product of the mind observing itself.
That said, I quite enjoy your narrative style that draws your reader in to share thoughts with you.
Many thanks for sharing.
Gloria
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2022
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A very well written personal reflection, Tom. By the sounds of it, your attitude is more positive than you give it credit for, and perhaps that is a product of the mind observing itself.
That said, I quite enjoy your narrative style that draws your reader in to share thoughts with you.
Many thanks for sharing.
Gloria
Comment Written 19-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2022
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Gloria, you're so very kind, thanks so much. I enjoy writing when I have something to say. It's always kind of a surprise to me when I start to write. I love the feedback I get here. I'm honored that so many folks take the time to read and comment.
I hope you have a blessed evening gal.
Tom
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
This is a wonderful article, especially when you discuss Robert Fulghum. I have seen at least 2 of his interviews and he has an amazingly positive outlook on life. You have a wry humor that has given me many smiles and I never suspected you had an element of being pessimistic to you. Good disguise.
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2022
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This is a wonderful article, especially when you discuss Robert Fulghum. I have seen at least 2 of his interviews and he has an amazingly positive outlook on life. You have a wry humor that has given me many smiles and I never suspected you had an element of being pessimistic to you. Good disguise.
Comment Written 19-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2022
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Oh Lord, Carol,
I'm a terrible pessimist. Fortunately I've been able to kind of balance it out with humor. Sometimes things seem so bad that all you can do is laugh about it. Yes, Fulghum is a very positive man. He's really very funny too. He wrote one book titled - Words I wish I wrote- that is full of great quotes. He has a blog, but won't be writing anything new on it until June when he gets back from Cyprus. He's well worth keeping on top of.
Have a blessed evening gal.
Tom
Comment from Bridge
A lovely story. I'm so glad I read it. It is so inspiring. Very well written. What Robert Fulghum's blog did for you, you have done for me.
With regards
reply by the author on 19-Apr-2022
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A lovely story. I'm so glad I read it. It is so inspiring. Very well written. What Robert Fulghum's blog did for you, you have done for me.
With regards
Comment Written 19-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 19-Apr-2022
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Hello Bridge, how very kind of you. I'm so pleased that you read my story and chose to comment. I'm humbled and honored by your lovely review. Thanks so much.
Have a blessed evening.
Tom
Comment from prettybluebirds
Whenever I start feeling sorry for myself or am unhappy with where I am in life, I think about all the folks who are so much worse off. Those who live in poverty, or those poor people in Ukraine. It makes me realize how well off I am. Thank you for sharing this thought-provoking writing.
reply by the author on 19-Apr-2022
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Whenever I start feeling sorry for myself or am unhappy with where I am in life, I think about all the folks who are so much worse off. Those who live in poverty, or those poor people in Ukraine. It makes me realize how well off I am. Thank you for sharing this thought-provoking writing.
Comment Written 19-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 19-Apr-2022
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You've made a good point. I think more than anything else the war in Ukraine has brought home the idea of how fortunate we are. I sometimes forget my many blessings. Thanks so much for this fine review.
Have a blessed evening.
Tom
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
You did a great job contrasting how some feel bad everyday
and some are thankful for everything no matter what, Tom.
I enjoyed reading your info. I remember the book about
learning everything in kindergarten. I didn't know the author
was still alive. Wow, he has a great attitude which many could
learn from. Your words are well chosen with great details to
set this story and make readers think. You are right. We all
have so much to be thankful for. I liked the line about God not
throwing things our way to make us miserable. The inclusion of
your story about your little boy was a great example. Yes, life
happens to all of us.
Respectfully, Jan
reply by the author on 19-Apr-2022
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You did a great job contrasting how some feel bad everyday
and some are thankful for everything no matter what, Tom.
I enjoyed reading your info. I remember the book about
learning everything in kindergarten. I didn't know the author
was still alive. Wow, he has a great attitude which many could
learn from. Your words are well chosen with great details to
set this story and make readers think. You are right. We all
have so much to be thankful for. I liked the line about God not
throwing things our way to make us miserable. The inclusion of
your story about your little boy was a great example. Yes, life
happens to all of us.
Respectfully, Jan
Comment Written 19-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 19-Apr-2022
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Thanks so much for your wonderful, thoughtful review Jan. Robert Fulghum is a most entertaining fellow. He wrote in one book, I think it was Uh-Oh, about going to a store in Utah to buy a can of tuna. Then he thought about what it took for us to be able to buy it. Someone had to catch it, can it, develop a label, package it, ship it to the store and stock it on the shelf. We take so much for granted in this life. We are blessed daily in so many ways, I wish that we could be reminded each day just how fortunate we are.
Have a truly blessed evening gal.
Tom
