Cynicism vs joy

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In Richard Templar's book 'The Rules of Work', he shares the value statement of Walt Disney. The first value statement mentioned is "no cynicism." It got me thinking. I had to admit to myself in a moment of self-reflection that I have become cynical. I have let my cynicism get so out of hand that I even laugh after a cynical comment I make and almost with pride I say out loud, "Sorry, I'm cynical," as though this cynicism was a reflection not of my personal perception of life but a wise realization of the harsh realities of life. Having read Disney's value statement, I decided to repent. I must never lose my sense of wonder, no matter my physical age and no matter the many experiences I have had that have led me to conclusions that, had I analyzed them in a positive light, would probably have made a different point.

Positive thinking has been a challenge to me. My mind leans towards the left, to the minus sign, to the problems. I can foresee problems ahead of time. This perspective has aided me at work, and I do not perceive this skill as a negative, ironically. However, cynicism is not about having a negative or positive mindset per se. It is not about positive and negative thinking at any given moment. Cynicism grows from the inside after repeated disappointments and erroneous conclusions that were combined with negative thinking and a negative frame of mind. In other words, cynicism is almost the accumulation of negative thoughts and feelings that have now affected our day-to-day attitude.

If cynicism is the result of negative thinking over a long period of time, what is the result of positive thinking over a long period of time? Is it gratitude and hope? Is it a sense of wonder about life and people? Just today I heard it said that we ought to be thermostats and not thermometers. We must influence the weather, not just measure it. We must influence our environment, not just assess it. We must be joyful even if we come into a room full of miserable faces. When the situation we find ourselves in is difficult, we need to rise above it. When we see a minus sign in front of us, we must remember the cross. God has a plan and purpose for our lives, and He promises never to leave nor forsake us. So I am taking on Disney's value statement "no cynicism" and committing myself to a renewed sense of joy, hope and gratitude.

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