To the Weedsport Community and the Staff,

The following is a fresh spin on the idea of perspective and the concept of viewing a glass (a situation) as half-empty (negative) or half-full (positive). Prepare to be wowed!

One thing that can be a challenge these days is maintaining an upbeat perspective. Faced with trying external forces, one’s internal decision to focus on the negative or the positive is a powerful choice in framing perspective. This is wonderfully exhibited in the following poem by Chanie Gorkin. Read it from top-to-bottom first and then bottom-to-top.

“Today was the absolute worst day ever

And don’t try to convince me that

There’s something good in every day

Because, when you take a closer look,

This world is a pretty evil place.

Even if

Some goodness does shine through once in a while

Satisfaction and happiness don’t last.

And it’s not true that

It’s all in the mind and heart

Because

True happiness can be obtained

Only if one’s surroundings are good

It’s not true that good exists

I’m sure you can agree that

The reality

Creates

My attitude

It’s all beyond my control

And you’ll never in a million years hear me say that

Today was a good day”

So, this poetry reading exercise exemplifies how in control we all are of framing one’s perspective. Try to embrace a glass half-full or bottom-to-top perspective in these mentally jarring times – I imagine you will brighten your day as well as those around you!

By the way…read the poem again both ways…it’s brilliant!

Stay upbeat,

Shaun A. O’Connor

Superintendent of Schools