Newmann: Happy tales
Tom Newmann Follow
“Some people bring joy wherever they go, and some people bring joy whenever they go.” — Mark Twain
We were talking with some friends the other day about why some folks are just so upbeat, while others … well, they seem like they’re always sucking on a sour lemon. Say “hello” to someone on the trail and they may respond in kind … or just look at you blankly and keep on walking. Hold the door open for a stranger and he or she might say “thanks.” Or might just assume that you’re the automatic door opener and walk through without a word.
Not sure why this is. Or if it’s any different from any other era in the history of human interaction (or non-interaction). Maybe some folks are just stuck in the sphere of their screens. Or themselves.
In stark contrast to the grumps of the world, we have a neighbor who is one of the most effusive individuals we’ve ever met. We’ve never seen him have a down day. He’s always quick to acknowledge us and just seems to be a bundle of enthusiasm whenever he comes over to say “Hi.” He’s never in a rush and always has time to hang out for at least a few minutes. Or more. But he never overstays his welcome and just seems to have a certain knack for how long is long enough (which in itself is a novel trait).
Needless to say, his presence always makes us feel good. And a day that seems like it’s going south in a hurry can turn around in an instant when he stops by. Pretty hard to be glum in the presence of a neighbor who doesn’t even know the meaning of the word. And, for whatever reason, can continually carry his optimistic nature into virtually any situation.
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Of course, he’s an exception. If every individual had the same enthusiastic characteristics as he does … well, we might drive each other a bit nuts with the flurry of collective effusion. But that certainly beats a flurry of collective pessimism. Or of general grumpiness.
So we always look forward to seeing him and, for however brief or long a time, being able to hang out with him. And to get a bit of an energy transfusion in the process.
Perhaps one of the reasons he’s so upbeat is that he doesn’t spend time watching or listening to current events or, for that matter, even reading about them. His version of current events seems to be pretty much events of the moment. He’s content just being in his sphere with his thoughts (most of which seem to be rather basic). We marvel at that aspect of his personality … and are also somewhat envious.
Our neighbor’s name is Wallace. And, like all golden retrievers, he has high levels of the oxytocin receptor gene, which stimulates social bonding — and affection — with humans.
It would be terrific if more humans had an abundance of that same gene.
But, then again, we’re generally not so skilled at wagging our tails, chasing balls — or seizing the moment.
Tom Newmann splits his time between Edwards and Queenstown, New Zealand. He has been going winter-to-winter since 1986. He was also a journalist in Missoula, Montana, at the Missoulian for quite a few years. Email him at tsnnz12@gmail.com.
