Dwelling on negativity can be catching. It can drag down the soul, as well.
Seeking the positive is more fulfilling and rewards the soul. Choose the half-full glass.
There have been instances in our communities of positive activity. It’s widespread, if you look for it.
Marmion Academy Sunday served as one example. The school campus was host to one of 13 regions for the Illinois Special Olympic Games. The sun-kissed day was special to many participants who were in a joyful mood just to throw the softball, run on the track, individually, and in relays. Accomplishments were varied, but, it did not matter. Joy prevailed just to be participants. Many individuals, officials for the day, offered encouragement and rewarded effort, not just performance.
Carter Crane/The Voice
There may have been 1,000 in attendance to be a Special Olympian. Coaches and parents were upbeat and positive. Winning was evident, however, most of the time it was secondary.
The track starter, an Illinois High School Association (IHSA) official, was in uniform and used his starter’s gun to fire blanks in the air at the beginning of the events. He will be a paid official this week at a high school track sectional He will earn his money. Sunday he was a volunteer. “No pay, just an opportunity to help, and give parents a much needed break,” he said.
• Hidden in the Gallery 1904, 1 E. Benton Street in Aurora, during First Fridays, was the Congressional Art Competition for high school students. The national competition in downtown Aurora was under the jurisdiction of Bill Foster of the 11th District and his staff members. The high school students’ art displays in the gallery stopped at 75 artistic creations. Nine schools participated: Aurora Christian, Downers Grove North, Downers Grove South, Hinsdale South, Marmion Academy, Naperville Central, Oswego, Rosary, West Aurora.
Four received honors Saturday: The American Dream by Jocelyn Arroyo, Best in Show; Skull Cave, Omar Eduardo Licon, second place; Hoarder, Samantha Groseth, third place; Society Mutes Our Voices, Alexandra Stoica, People’ Choice. Best in Show will be displayed in the Capitol Building Complex in Washington D.C.; second place in the Washington D.C. office; and the other two in a district congressional office. Joyful. Positive. Uplifting.