“Except for the…”

I have a little philosophical advice to pass along push on to you this morning.

It’s about positive thinking. And about how unnerving and frustrating it is to be around a constant half-full quarter-full person.

I certainly understand a downer observation, reaction or moment… but then there are the people who I call the “Excepts.”

The “Excepts” have a thought process all their own. For example, if someone comments on the beauty of the day, an “Except” will quickly add, “Except for the wind.” Or if you remark on the excellence of a new restaurant, an “Except” will make sure to say, “Except for the parking.”

Oh, I can’t forget the news of a new baby and all the wonder surrounding it. “Except,” of course, “for the money they require.” And the excitement of a new season, which will quickly be diminished with, “Except for the heat (or leaves, snow or rain).”

I don’t know if people are born like this, but I do think they can change. Of course, they would have to want to change. Do they realize just how negatively they approach people, places and things? Do they understand that people avoid them?

And why am I bringing this up today?

Because yesterday I was talking on the phone with an “Except” and mentioned some of the exciting things Audrey, Jane and I have been doing on-line, and the answer was, “Oh, the internet is a great place to do business, except for the predators and crazies.”

Talk about a conversation stopper. And then I realized that “Excepts” are conversation stoppers. There is nothing you can add to an “except for the” but another “except for the”… and who wants to get into that endless stream of downerism?

So, I’ll leave you with this thought – Lovely spring Friday mornings are like gifts from heaven. (Don’t even go there!)