By DAVID MARLOWE

“Hats off” to LaPlace resident and L’Observateur reader Cynthia Duck, who recently took the time to send a brief letter to the editor concerning the new St. John the Baptist Parish library. And no, she wasn’t bashing, whining or complaining about any aspect of it. Instead she applauded the new facility, emphasizing its spacious, bright atmosphere, the availability of computers for library patrons, the comfortable furnishings and the down-home touch of rocking chairs outside the building. She took the time to say “thanks” to all who were involved in making the library a reality.

Thank you as well, Cynthia. Thank you for choosing to see the “good” and for recognizing the effort that went into making the dream of a new library for the parish come true.

Cynthia chose to wear “rose-colored glasses” when looking at the library. I’d be willing to bet, she also chooses to find more good in life than bad, and to enjoy more happy moments than sad. Then again, I could be wrong. Assumptions work that way. But right or wrong, the reality is we all choose the way we look at life, and the way we live it.

It’s easy to look at the all the bad things happening in our world, in our country, in our towns and in our homes, and to let those things affect our lives in a negative manner. Depression is rampant in comparison to a few decades ago, and it is of little wonder.

Yet, it doesn’t have to be that way. No one can force you to be unhappy. No one can force you to be angry. No one can force you to be miserable. Only you can make that choice. Each of us rolls out of bed to face a new day with the same basic option. We can choose to be happy or we can choose not to be happy, but it is our choice and our choice alone.

No, I’m not advocating putting on blinders and tuning out the world around us. I’m just stating an often over-looked fact. We are as happy as we choose to be. All we have to do is remind ourselves to choose wisely.

Cynthia quoted the old adage ” if life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” I agree. Life is much more enjoyable when you live it with a smile. God gave us a pretty wonderful world to live in. And it’s food for thought that frowning requires the use of more muscles than smiling.

So, give your face a break…smile and have a great day, today and every day!

DAVID MARLOWE is editor and publisher of L’Observateur. He may be reached at (985) 652-9545.