Grumpy?

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Like the new Barbie movie, Disney's reimagining of Snow White will probably be another big hit, regardless of whether it is painted as "woke" by political pundits.

Most Americans watched Disney's groundbreaking 1937 feature-length cartoon as children.  I would say the movie is a commonly shared experience of humanity that has contributed to our foundational views of the world and certainly our language.  As such, parents will bring a new generation of kids to experience the updated version.

Rumors have said Snow White will no longer take up residence with "the Seven Dwarfs" in the woods.  It is unclear if the names of the archetypical characters will be part of the update or not.

In any case, I think we're agreed that no one wants to be compared metaphorically to the dwarf suitably named Grumpy.

Unconsciously, however, that can be our demeanor.  I know when I see unposed photos of myself looking at my computer, I indeed appear to be downright grumpy. 

Our demeanors frequently reflect not so much our current environs or people with us but rather some alternative reality unfolding in a different place and time.  The amazing technologies of computers and smartphones mean that we not only have amazing technology but disturbingly all of the world's problems at our fingertips.

Now cruise ships have affordable high-speed internet access available throughout the world. so it takes willpower to avoid being sucked into the outside world when we should be enjoying an amazing vacation.

Share photos of your trip on social media.  Look up the name of the artist who performs a song a lounge singer just covered.  Order a drink on your Medallion app from your lounge chair by the pool.  Just don't let the internet make you Grumpy.

That means not tuning into criticism your favorite politician must endure or some problem back home over which you have zero control while traveling.  Of course, if there is something active you can do in the present moment, perhaps using that modern technology to stop a small aggravation from becoming a big problem by the time you return, like paying your electricity bill back home, that's a good use of technology.  Just don't let it ruin your present moments.

It's healthy to leave behind those small problems beyond your control while on vacation, and that includes snags encountered during your trip.

Don't get so focused on a flight delay or cancelled port that you allow that to ruin your hard-earned cruise become that isolated event makes you Grumpy.  Most likely, you haven't been shot through the heart.  If you let an annoyance stop you from being in the wonderful present moment, you're to blame.

As the old song goes, "Don't worry.  Be happy."

Happy is another of Disney's original Seven Dwarfs, and we'll get to him soon enough.  

For now, just don't be Grumpy!

Wes