Counter Pessimism

Make a Difference

“My deceased patients have taught me over the years to believe in the glass half-full, to make good use of the time we have, to be generous—that was their lesson for the Uber-mind, and it was free. 'Do that,' they said, 'and then perhaps death shall have no dominion.'”

Abraham Verghese

In his sermon yesterday, our pastor spoke of how often we see the glass as half-empty, rather than half-full—our weather reports, for example, tell us the percent of likely precipitation, not the percent of likely sunshine. Our USA Olympic team just won twenty-three medals at the Winter Games, some for the first time, and already headlines are that they didn't do as well as past teams. We seem to go looking for half-empty glasses instead of celebrating life's joys.

One of the greatest gifts one can possess is to be born with an optimistic spirit. I mean that, sincerely. To live expecting the worst has to be a terrible burden. Some of us are born optimistic, so we don't have to work too hard at it. And, some of us, simply aren't put together that way—but we can learn to be. And, there are very good reasons to cultivate optimism. One is the ill effects on overall health from constant and sustained pessimism. One cannot carry negativity and stay well. It collects like grease in the bottom of a barbeque grill—black and sticky. Another, is the energy/magnetic factor. Pessimism is a natural repellent—if you don't want to be bothered with people, just walk around with a grim face and prognosticate the end of the world, and no one will want to walk beside you. Another good reason to ditch pessimism is that it's a waste of precious time. We have so many days and hours, so many heart beats and inhalations—we will have fewer if we're pessimistic—and it's a shame to waste them on negative thinking. Optimism is like taking a good deep breath of fresh air—it sustains life.

Pessimism can be addressed by listening to self-talk, and then consciously changing it. Counter absolute thinking by introducing other possible scenarios and interpretations. If, inside your head, you are constantly grumbling about this and that, bring attention to it, and find an alternative way of viewing your situation. Coming back to the glass-half-empty metaphor—remind yourself of the half-fullness of it, too. Look around you and name all the things that are going well, focus on what you have, rather than what is lacking. Optimism can be practiced. If you are pessimistic by nature, fake it til you make it. Practice positive perspective until it becomes comfortable if not automatic. You'll be glad you did. Other people will appreciate you more, and your heart and soul will prosper. Problems have solutions. Let's stop wallowing in the problems, and instead, find the solutions together. This is how we can make a difference in the world.

                                                           In the Spirit,

                                                              Jane