A PHILOSOPHER WITH VERY BIG EARS

Eeyore is Winnie the Pooh's cloudy, overcast, glum little donkey friend. He never lets Pooh's optimism sway him. He remains a funny killjoy, an amusing wet blanket. His predictable misery has earned him many fans.

And the donkey has a gift for you. Read on.

Ernest H. Shepard has written a wonderful and witty book called Eeyore's Gloomy Little Instruction Book. In the book are some classic and typical Eeyore sayings. For example:

"Do join in the search for a lost friend-or-relation. But don't be surprised when nobody bothers to tell you he's been found, and you search on alone for two days."

Poor Eeyore. Ever feel like that?

"There are those who will wish you a good morning. If it is a good morning which is doubtful."

Remind you of any of your mornings?

AH, WOE IS ME

"Don't be surprised if it hails a good deal tomorrow. Blizzards and what-not. Being fine today doesn't Mean Anything. It's just a small piece of weather."

Starting to get in touch with your inner Eeyore?

"If you've been invited to a party, it's probably a mistake. Make sure they don't blame you if it rains."

By now, you may be asking, "Is this article I am reading supposed to be uplifting and cheery?" Yep, it sure is. Eeyore can bring you one of the best days ever.

THERE'S GOLD IN THE GLOOM

Most of us have an inner Eeyore. To indulge it can bring release and laughter and freedom. To be the absolute worst whatever-it-is-you-want-to-be lets loose in you a power that has been spent in resisting it. A power that brings many benefits. You give yourself permission to break the rules. Such a sweet honesty surfaces.

Trying to be a constantly upbeat, optimistic person? One reliable path to your goal is to become dramatically the opposite. Ignore all the blissful affirmations and joyful self-talk -- just for a short time. You will find gold in the opposite. That may be why Eeyore has so many fans.

AND TODAY . . .

Have some Eeyore moments. Don't be mildly glum and gloomy. Give it your all. Be a theatrical, spectacular Drama Queen or King. You must be the exact and true opposite of the lighthearted and up person you want to be.

If you have heard Eeyore's voice in a movie or video, you know how the donkey talks. Talk like Eeyore, too.

Being the opposite, the Eeyore, is fun. It is hard not to laugh when you are Eeyore-ing. Please give it a try. You get some giggles and a sharper focus on the kind of positive person you want to be. Playing the opposite somehow gives you that focus.

I have to leave you now to go make my coffee. Do you think my coffee beans were on sale because they were somehow defective? The store was out of unbleached filters. Will my bleached ones harm me? Then I'll read the paper; it will be full of awful news. At least, I will have my coffee. Wonder where I get one of those testers to make sure my coffee mug doesn't have lead in it?

By now, I am having a great time. My inner Eeyore makes me howl with laughter.

Go forth now, and have several Eeyore moments today. It will be a memorable, valuable -- and positive -- day. No doubt about it.

_____

Stephanie West Allen, JD, brings humor and motivation to associations and organizations. Visit: Allen-Nichols.com.

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©2002 Stephanie West Allen All Rights Reserved