Hey girl hey! This is my first blog ever so please bare with me.
Optimists. Pessimists. The world is full of them, and if you’re human then you are probably one of either. Full disclosure though: I am an optimist. Yes, I am the type of person who will try and turn every situation around for the positive. Some, who are negative minded, may get annoyed by this behavior. I respect their viewpoint on how they choose to perceive life, but why?
I have always heard that it is not about what happens to you in life, but how you react to what happens. I heard that and said mama preach!
I would like to share this poem which goes of a similar idea in perspective on the world around us. First, read the poem from top to bottom. Then, I read it from bottom to top and see what happens.
“Worst Day Ever?” By Chanie Gorkin
Today was the absolute worst day ever
And don’t try to convince me that
There’s something good in every day
Because, when you take a closer look,
This world is a pretty evil place.
Even if
Some goodness does shine through once in a while
Satisfaction and happiness don’t last.
And it’s not true that
It’s all in the mind and heart
Because
True happiness can be obtained
Only if one’s surroundings are good
It’s not true that good exists
I’m sure you can agree that
The reality
Creates
My attitude
It’s all beyond my control
And you’ll never in a million years hear me say that
Today was a good day
Crazy right? It was so astonishing to me the fact that such a feat was accomplished of the two sided viewpoint. Reading the poem from top to bottom we see a grim outlook on the day, but reverse it and you an optimistic stance on the day. It could even be used as a metaphor. For example, if life has just got you in the blues or a situation gets rough and tough, find ways to flip the script. Focus more on the positives that are going on within your experience.
It is not easy to always find good though. I mean emotions never should be suppressed or neglected because of fear. We have all been there, with some Lana Del Rey blaring and runny mascara, and you have not lived if you do not know what I mean.
*raises hand* Guilty.
I am not ashamed to admit it. If someone constantly neglects the negative emotions they are deeply feeling it can lead your body and mind to attempt to cope with some pretty messed up habits. Again, guilty.
Going back to the topic however, it is how you overcome and bounce back from these bad experiences that make you a stronger human being. A pessimist usually may not bounce back, and can get stuck on the struggle bus.
Full transparency, this was totally me my first week at the Mississippi School of the Arts. This place is so so so different from my old school on so many levels. From the people, to the technology, to even the stairs, I was not prepared for what was to come. (Nor was my stamina for the stairs, but that is another story for another day) Anyway, I had to shift my mindset and drop many of the high school stereotypes that had been instilled in me. If I wouldn’t have done this I might still be on the mess express. I remember Oprah once talked about a great way to change the way you think. She said to write down five simple things you were appreciative of from that day. It could be so simple from just someone opening up a door for you.
If you struggle with pessimistic ways clogging your mental space try this exercise. I want to end this post with a little assignment from Oprah. Feel free to call-in or comment below and keep me up with how it’s going.
♥ Till next time kitty girls! ♥
that’s a really cool way to look at things!
I really like the poem you included, it really brings out the aspect of your viewpoint affecting your mood about something happening.
I found it interesting how you chose to begin your blog with outlooks. I personally try to be an optimist, so I agree that methods such as listing topics of gratitude do so much. That poem you incorporated is so inspirational; I was not expected it to read backwards with an entirely differing perspective. Also, I enjoyed reading this; your comedic moments made me laugh quite a bit. The stairs are definitely a challenge worth writing about for sure. Also, I love the part about Lana Del Ray and running mascara, hah! All in all, great blog, and I look forward to reading more from you.
Being in that pessimistic mindset sucks. I was like that for most of my middle school and junior high years, and I’m very glad that I’ve grown out of it. Pessimism isn’t “edgy and cool” and it can have very negative effects on one’s mental health. I’m glad you’re living your best life! I’m going to try my best too. 🙂
this was an adventure to read – i love how well the poetry was woven seamlessly into the post, and brings incredible depth to your point. i definitely feel you about the stairs – none of us were ready for that. i love how you view the world, and i miss you and your beautiful writing!!
Diego, this made me feel so good about being a positive person who tries to see the good in everyone and everything. The poem you included was definitely a trip (in a good way of course!!). I absolutely love your writing style, its interactive and makes me want to keep reading.
I love this!! It serves as a really important reminder that although we do need to acknowledge and accept negative emotions and experiences, it is equally as important to call those positive things to the front of our minds. I personally struggle with pessimism, but reading this made me feel really encouraged to work to change that. I’ll definitely try out the exercise you mentioned!