“Good morning, Sunshine.” “Good morning, Glory.” Each day my father greeted his two little girls with a beaming smile and these words.
I had always thought that the exchange came from an old vaudeville routine. My father had delighted in those live shows filled with singing, dancing, and, of course, great comedy. More than likely, though, he had adopted his salutation from the song in the movie “Sitting Pretty” (1933).
That tune, “Good Morning Glory,” reappeared years later as the theme for Neil Simon’s movie, “Brighton Beach Memoirs.” These days the song echoes in my granddaughter, Sommerlyn.
Sunnie, as she was so aptly nicknamed at birth, walks in sunshine. She knows that life is good. For her, singing and dancing in the rain are always distinct possibilities. When the blue skies darken and violets fall, she waits patiently. Sunnie knows that the gray skies are gonna’ clear up. The sun, most certainly, will come out again tomorrow.
Sunnie’s innate cheerfulness should serve her well throughout life. A sunny disposition is enchanting. Like moths, we are attracted to the light and the bright.
In terms of health, Sunnie's optimistic view of life has many benefits. Researchers have found increasing evidence for the mind-body connection and the important role played by placebos, meditation, and visualization.
In the 1950’s, Norman Cousins demonstrated how choosing laughter helped him survive serious illness. More recently, a study of patients with heart disease showed that patients who were most positive about their recovery actually healed faster and lived longer. Being hopeful probably led patients to make heart-healthy changes in their lifestyle, to follow their doctor’s orders more diligently, and to reduce the harmful effects of stress.
When faced with illness, thus, we’ve gotta have heart. Cinderella was right: Fairy tales can come true. Impossible things are happening every day.
Those of us not naturally inclined to cheerfulness can choose to look on the bright side. We can put on a happy face. And decision by decision, step by step, we can cross over to the sunny side of the street. By seeking out the kernel of good in each person and in each situation, we can sweeten the lemon that lines our plate.
When twilight time approaches and deep purple falls, we can count our blessings instead of sheep. And with a new day dawning, we can rise, shine, and whistle while we work.
Many years ago, Norman Vincent Peale inspired the youth of my generation to believe in the power of positive thinking. He preached that “our happiness depends on the habit of mind we cultivate.” Each day, he said, “cultivate the merry heart, develop the happiness habit, and life will become a continual feast.”
My own flaxen-haired princess was born on the first day of spring. In her I see hope personified. I also see the recipe for a healthy heart and a fruitful life. I have decided that I’ll have what she’s having. “Make mine sunny side up.”
Sally Ann Connolly, a retired school counselor and author of three books, puts a spotlight on health, education, and lifestyle issues. Her website is www.neverbetter.net.