There have been times over the years when I’ve been tempted to use my column to write about the negative stuff that irks me.

But I won’t do it for one simple reason.

I’m sure you can name your own list of negative stuff that bothers you

So if it’s misleading or nothing but negative stuff that doesn’t deserve our attention, why would I add to the negative vibes.

Whenever I’m tempted to get on my soapbox about negative stuff I ask myself if the world needs one more negative voice shooting off about their own point of view. We have enough negative voices clamoring to tell us all what to do or what to think.

Sometimes a reader will ask me why I won’t help expose the wrong we see.

So let me ask you: Do you think the world is waiting for another negative voice?

Frankly, I get tired of drowning in negativity.

My husband enjoys having me watch the evening news with him. He calls it “our togetherness.” But all that negative news depresses me. I tried to do I for his sake but I just couldn’t do it any more.

I told him we have to find a better way to have togetherness. Meanwhile, he says he likes “to keep up with the news” while I’m enjoying peaceful reading.

I think we have way too many voices peddling their version of the truth.

My truth is that this isn’t that kind of column I want to write.

Hopefully, it’s the kind of column that helps readers to think of their own lives.

And if I occasionally hit the spot and help you to see our world in a nicer happier way, then I did what I had hoped to do.

It is one incredible world out there. Have your noticed?

Have you felt the goodness of what we have in America?

Frankly, I seldom feel as patriotic as I did during the coverage of our 250th celebration.

I found it interesting during television coverage to hear how those from other countries are in awe of what we have in America.

Have you stopped the merry-go-round of life long enough to take stock of the good things in your life?

For many people, what they gained during our country’s 250thcelebration was something they often forget — appreciating our vast freedoms.

One freedom I hold dear is freedom of religion.

Have you felt gratitude for where we live?

Do we take too much of what we have for granted?

During our 250th celebration I liked the interviews with people from all walks of life talking about what freedom means to them.

Our little community had mixed feelings when one resident erected a very big Statue of Liberty in his yard.

I though the statue was wonderful, but I understood when our homeowners association said it was against the rules to put up something that big.

The president of our HOA is an inventive fellow who makes good things happen. He had a brainstorm that the big Statue of Liberty could be the centerpiece of waterfront property that would become Liberty Island if the owners of the statue would agree to donate it. They were happy to do it.

When the president presented his idea to make the Statue of Liberty the centerpiece of what would be called Liberty Island it met with approval.

Like many others, I loved the idea and thought it was the perfect place for the statue.

That waterfront property, which includes a popular boat launch site, is important because it serves as the entrance area for our annual Christmas lighted boat parade. Adding the Statue of Liberty just adds to the place.

But no matter how good something is, there will be those ugly voices spewing hate. I don’t remember so much negativity in the past.

I was upset when a few were protesting creating Liberty Island here in our community because they said we don’t treat migrants right. They didn’t want us to create Liberty Island.

There were just a handful of protesters, but I was sorry to see any.

Can people never be happy?

I bet none of the protesters ever talked to those who came here long ago from other countries to have better life.

I remember my grandmother saying that she was filled with emotion when she reached America. I also remember helping her study for her citizenship exam.

Those like my grandparents know how good it felt to see the Statue of Liberty when they arrived at our shores. For them, that statue had meaning. For me today, it still does.

I so like the song “I’m Proud to be an American.” The words say it all.

I’ve been singing that song for two weeks.

I believers chronic naysayers are generally unhappy people.

On the other hand, a grateful heart is its own reward. Grateful people are definitely happy people.

Let’s focus on what’s great about our lives.

For some, wouldn’t that be a welcome change?

Email Pattie Mihalik at newsgirl@comcast.net