How Full Is Your Glass?

This week, I got to spend two days with someone who told me, "I'm excited to get out of bed in the morning."

That inspires me.

Is he problem-free?

No way, hozay. Nobody is.

But what an amazing attitude!

So in his honor, today's topic is a new twist on that old line about the optimist versus the pessimist.

Here's how to play it at your table:

Fill a glass halfway with water.

Ask: "How would you describe this glass - half full or half empty?"

I predict that most people are either truly optimistic or have heard this metaphor and want to appear optimistic, so say, "Half full".

Some may say, "Half empty".

You then ask:

What kind of person would answer, "The glass is empty" ??

The responses should be interesting.

Then you get to ask the kicker:


What kind of person does it take to answer, "The glass is full!" ??
 
And how does one become such a person?

Shabbat Shalom





PS - Want to make your Table Talk rabbi happy? Like it, tweet it, or just forward it to someone who might enjoy it.

Good or Bad?

Dedicated to the loving, hard-working mother of my children who is somehow still smiling!


+ + + +

Sorry this is being posted so late… just got back from the hospital.

I’ll explain, but first a question.

Who would Kobe Bryant rather play 1-on-1, Shaquille O’Neal or…

Alexander Seinfeld?

Why is it that none of these NBA stars want to take me on 1-on-1? It would be such an easy win for them?

OK, here’s the scoop.

Our newborn, Tehila, was admitted last night.

I know what you’re thinking – “That’s terrible!”

On the one hand, it would be a stretch to say my wife is thrilled at the prospect of spending Shabbat in the hospital.

On the other hand, we’re absolutely grateful.

First of all, the tests have found nothing wrong with Tehila. She had a fever, and as a precaution for a newborn, they need to keep her monitored for 48 hours. We’re so grateful that she’s healthy. Without all those wires and tubes, who would have known she was so healthy?

Second of all, we’re so grateful for the first-rate care that we are receiving. Amazing.

Third of all, neighbors and friends have been sending food etc. Overwhelming.

It has been said that the best things in life require effort, even pain, “no pain, no gain.”

If this is true, why do so many people seek an effortless, comfortable life?


Shabbat Shalom


PS – in case you missed last week’s “Big Announcement”….

I have launched the fourth, revised and expanded edition of The Art of Amazement.

If you have one of the old editions, you’re probably going to enjoy the new. If you know someone who might enjoy it and have been wondering where to get a new copy, search no more. And if you’ve never read it....I, I just don’t know what to say!

Check out the snazzy new cover here.

“Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfils the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things.” - Churchill