Vincent Wright asked this question.

I call questions like this “trick questions” because there is no definitive answer.  Here’s my answer:

Optimism is often intentional.  Deciding to see the glass half full is a choice.  Sometimes optimism is accidental.  Even a pure pessimist can surprise him or herself when they seek “help” in difficult or dark times.  Seeking any kind of help indicates hope.  Hope is an optimistic response.  Optimism can be imposed on one by optimistic people who are trying to “help you see the light”.  An imposed view can support feeling better for a while, but it will not last unless the imposed mindset gets turned into the supposed mindset.  Optimism can only be denied by you.  It can never by denied by God.  God denies nothing that is good.  Can you choose to be optimistic?  Your only power in any given moment or situation is your power to choose.

I am supposed to be organizing my office and paying bills thanks for this distraction.

Happy black Friday!!!!! That’s an oxymoron isn’t it?

But nevertheless, I am having a fabulous day. I got this big clunky ring from the 2 dollar guy at the flea market. I also went to a Tommy Hilfiger outlet and got a bunch of sweaters and pants. I thought that store would be too preppy for me but I made it work for me. Lol.

And then comes the depressing part… Value Fair. They turned the depressing store into an even more depressing indoor flea market. And it was next to this shitty Korean market so the whole store wreaked of fish and some obnoxious guy wearing too much Axe. And the atmosphere is absolutely disgusting. I had a stomach ache and I had to sit down on a bench in the shoe section that could have been my deathbed.

I find it strange how I have a lot to say when I’m angry and I’m not as good at describing things when I am excited. Maybe I’m a pessimist. Some days its like the world is my playground and my emotions are falling down a slide. And sometimes you are spinning around carelessly and not giving a shit about anything. Sometimes your heart might get injured and you have to cry. I don’t think any adults are adults. We are all children because no one is mature and no one is really as smart as they think they are. We’re all children on the world’s playground.

That was random. But there you go. Pseudo-philosophical wisdom from Gianluca.

“Our thoughts are what makes us.” I saw this quote in our office with a big mountain on the background of the quote, which in my opinion signifies great thoughts and dreams.

I’m a natural born negative thinker, and it’s ironic that I’m writing this now as this article should refer to somewhat positive thinking. My teenage years passed by without me realizing that I’m really a pessimist and depression without any reason always visit me. This really is a pain in the ass and have really bad effect on our body. Small happenings will drain a lot of energy because you’ll be worried on the results by making you think and think of negative things that might happen in the future which could be the result of your decision, also known as anxiety.

In my family, my mother is also somewhat a negative thinker and worry a lot of times. I think she’s the most dedicated person to our church, in our family. She also has heard lots of sermons and preachings about these thoughts, anxiety and worrying, but still she can’t apply it in our daily lives properly. Small ‘not-so-good’ happening or event, makes her become anxious and worry too much.

I always wanted to change that character of ours. Today, I’m still not a full-blown optimist, but I’m starting to get there, and I knew I’ll get there someday. Lots of factors have helped me, but the 2 main factors are as follows:

• I’ve read the verse Matthew 6:34, which is stated below.
• I’ve read a part of a very good article by Yogi Gupta which can be seen through this link http://www.ecomall.com/greenshopping/gupta2.htm

Our thoughts indeed is what makes us who we are now, and what we can do and achieve. By forming series of ‘healthy’ and positive thoughts, and erasing negative things in our mind, it will bring a boost of positive energy in our lives and makes us healthier each day. I knew and have proven this, because I’ve been there and did my best getting out of it. With the help of the Lord and using the article to change a part of myself, I feel like I’m a better person each day. A worry-free life indeed is a great life.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:34

The dreaded sequence of words to my pessimistic ears. The actual chances of EVERYTHING being fine, is slim to none.  The word everything is implying perfection and that just does not exist in the world, nothing is ever perfect.

Trying to change a pessimist in to thinking positive/optimistic, is a hefty challenge. I could try, but why get my hopes up. hahahahaha

_V

p.s. this is not aimed towards you, just a thought after the conversation

I know I didn’t write for a while, I had my reasons. But I read recently this book, “the curious incident of the dog in the night-time” by Mark Haddon and I wanted to quote a part of it- because it’s beautiful, simple and so logic. The narrator is an autistic 15 years old boy.

“In the bus on the way to school next morning we passed 4 red cars in a row, which meant that it was a Good Day, so I decided not to be sad about Wellington.

Mr. Jeavons, the psychologist at the school, once asked me why 4 red cars in a row made it a Good Day, and 3 red cars in a row made it a Quite Good Day, and 5 red cars in a row made it a Super Good Day, and why 4 yellow cars in a row made it a Black Day, which is a day when I don’t speak to anyone and sit on my own reading books and don’t eat my lunch and Take No Risks. He said that I was clearly a very logical person, so he was surprised that I should think like this because it wasn’t very logical.

I said I liked things being in a nice order. And one way of things being in a nice order was to be logical. Especially if those things were numbers or an argument. But there were other ways of putting things in a nice order. And that was why I had Good Days and Black Days. And I said that people who worked in an office came out of their house in the morning and saw that the sun was shining and it made them feel happy, or they saw that it was raining and it made them feel sad, but the only difference was the weather and if they worked in an office the weather didn’t have anything to do with whether they had a good day or a bad day.

I said that when Father got up in the morning he always put his trousers on before he put his socks on and it wasn’t logical but he always did it that way, because he liked things in a nice order, too. Also whenever he went upstairs he went up two at a time, always starting with his right foot. (…)”

I think most of us have some kind of “thing” or “ritual” that makes us think “well, this is going to be a very good day!” or just the contrary. And why not? Today I had one of these things happening (nice dream, then positive phone call) and maybe it will be obvious to all of you, but I just thought “maybe I have a Good Day and something special will happen to me”. This is just the proof of how apparently meaningless events can be meaningful to someone. We are to decide whether something has an importance to us or not. Then, this is up to us to try to make each day a Good Day and keep a positive attitude, even though I know that it can be extremely tough sometimes. So I will see how my Good Day continues And I wish lots of Good Days to all of you!

My nephew, this was definitely a Good Day with a great smile!

debbie downer decided to come out and play last night.  at the parking lot at applebees.  debbie downer, pessimistic pam, whatever you wanna call it, it’s one in the same.  why it had to happen there, idk.  but certain things in/about my life were brought up in conversation and the tears started flowing.  i really thought i was over this; it’s been almost 2 weeks since the school decision was made.  but i guess not.  and i am stronger than people think.  some may not know what i’m fully capable of…

Inainte sa zici: “ma pish pe cursul ala“, fii sigur ca esti studentul model:

It’s a bit funny.

Man kan synes at det hele er så vel planlagt og at man har godt overblik over hvordan det næste halve år kommer til at se ud. Lige så sikkert som det umiddelbart er, ligeså sikkert er det nu at det ikke bliver sådan som først tænkt. Det var egentligt ikke meningen at jeg skulle holde op med at arbejde før engang i sommeren 2010, men nu har finanskrisen også ramt min arbejdsplads. Det betyder at den lukker ned pr. 31. december 2009, hvis ikke et mindre mirakel indtræffer inden. Jeg havde en strålende plan om at spare penge op til når jeg skulle starte på universitetet, så jeg ikke skulle leve som en bums 5 år i træk. Den plan blev revet itu på en helt og aldeles brutal måde. Efter en lang og ulideligt kedelig arbejdsdag møder vores chef op på “kontoret” lidt over 5 om eftermiddagen og dropper bomben. smask. som et lyn fra en klar himmel, så står vi allesammen uden job når vi er hoppet ind i det nye år. Ak!

Men der er, har jeg fået at vide, intet der er så skidt at det ikke er godt for noget. Jeg håber det passer, og hvis ikke er personen som har fundet på det af en meget ond karakter. Jeg mener, hvilke grunde kan der være til at indgyde en så kraftig optimisme i folk, hvis det i virkeligheden ikke passer? Hvis der er en grund må den være af en udspekuleret og ondsindet art. Jeg vælger at tro på at det er sandheden – sådan et stykke hen ad vejen i hvert fald.
Da det var planen at jeg skulle arbejde foråret 2010, var det også planen at jeg skulle afsocialiseres på en grov måde. Nemlig med et halvårs matematik kursus, som forløb 10 timer om ugen, efter arbejde vel at mærke.
Bag døren som jeg åbnede efter jeg lukkede døren til mit gamle arbejde så jeg muligheden for at prøve det stik modsatte. Nemlig at have masser af tid, og tilstrækkeligt med penge til at betale husleje og mad. Nemlig at gå til matematik så mange timer ugentligt at jeg kunne få SU, hvilket overhovedet ikke er særlig lang tid. Kunne det være bedre?
Udover jeg ikke vil få sparet en eneste klejne op i det kommende forår, så tror jeg nok det hele skal gå. Så må jeg blot slå mig til tåls med at være halvbums de næste 5 år.

Da tanken om at mine planer og økonomiske sikkerhed var blevet revet væk under mig, befandt jeg mig, som en anden fru. Drusse i anden sæson af riget, kortvarrigt i en slags beskæftigelsens Swedenborgske rum. Det var en sær oplevelse. For en tid føles det som om at du er ude på utrolig dybt vand lige indtil du når tærsklen til enten himlen eller nogle nye planer for den nære fremtid. Det sådan jeg forestiller mig overgangen fra livet til døden i hvert fald.

Jeg tror vi er gået dybt nok for i aften. Mit navn er Tobias Pedersen og husk at man må tage det gode med det onde.

Ryan P. is someone I have known since the days I have lived in Utah.  He is not a native Utahn but acts and looks like one.  He is a good friend who actually saw me during the period of my coming out days. We have  a mutual friend of ours named Ben. Ben and I were coming out at the same time. Ryan is straight and gay friendly.  I think my friend Ben kind of had a crush on Ryan but the two became more  good friends like Laverne and Shirley.

Ryan loves to make those kind of straight guy jokes around gay guys that remind you of 15 year old boys in a locker room.  He loves women especially Asian women. He has this wonderful girlfriend ( Gawd knows  how she has stood him all these years). She must have trained him well to take out the trash and mow the lawn.  It is hard to get good help these days.

As he ages he still tries to leverage his looks to get his way. He is a smart guy and I am glad that he has gotten less lazy over the years ( I think). He needs to make his intelligence  an advantage, because lacking any kind of age delaying genetic Latino or African American blood in his make up, he is destined to wrinkle up fast ( It is already happening).

He posted this motivational poster below which features the Optimist, Pessimist and Student.  The illustration is in line with his sense of humor.

This poster tells me something about Ryan:

1. He is motivated with anything that has to do with urination
2. He loves Penis tricks
3. Never have him use your restroom
4. His aim is bad

He asked me to blog about this poster on Facebook.  Ryan, never say I never did anything for you.

Today’s quote comes from Helen Keller.

No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit.

i hate what nursing school (or maybe just THIS nursing school) has turned me into.  i’m not a pessimist.  i’m not a failure.  i’m not stupid.  but WHY DO I FEEL LIKE IT here?!  i’m so good at many things, but i just haven’t found that one thing that i would love doing for the rest of my life, i.e. a CAREER!  i though the graphic/design industry was a fit, and i honestly do love that.  but maybe it’s the location i’m in now that’s narrowed my job opps.  or maybe my living situation, the kids, etc, that has a factor in it.  either way, shit’s not going so well these days w/regard to school, specifically tests.  i do exceptionally well on the clinical floors though!  that’s what sux about it all.  and i’m at a loss with what to do about it.  there are only so many hours in a day, only so much information my brain can handle at a time.  what to do…what to do…all i want to do is to be friggin HAPPY!!!  i seem to have found it in one aspect of my life, but not in the other aspects…

We’ve all heard the two opposing views of ways to look at a glass that has water at the half-way point…

The OPTIMIST says it is half full.
The PESSIMIST says it is half empty.

How about these perspectives?
The OPPORTUNIST: drinks the water while the other two argue.
The ENGINEER: clearly, the glass is too big.
The PSYCHIATRIST: what did your mother say about the glass?
The REALIST: full or not, we’re going to have to wash it.
The CONSPIRISIST: the government is fluoridating the water for mind-control purposes.
The CAPITALIST: if I re-bottle this and give it a trendy name, I could make a fortune.
The PHILOSOPHER: if the glass was in the forest and no one was there to see it, would it be half anything?

In life, regardless of what is in our glass, or how full or empty it is, I challenge us all to put focus on who fills our cup to begin with. If you push circumstances aside and REALLY think about it, you will see that your cup is overflowing.

I dag råkade jag ut för en kommentar som jag tog lite illa vid mig av. Det var ett svar på en status uppdatering som jag hade gjort och hade tydligen missförstått. Jag kände mig tillintetgjord av svaret jag fick. När sånt här händer inser jag att jag är så otroligt svag. Egentligen var inte svaret illamenat på något vis (jag känner människan som skrev det) men jag tar åt mig och känner mig dum.

Det är en stor anledning till varför jag har svårt att uttrycka mig publikt. Jag är rädd för att uppfattas som dum, korkad, tråkig, sur och så vidare…(kanske lite underligt att jag skapat en blogg som enbart handlar om mitt negativa känsloliv…men haha, man måste ju få ut det på något sätt)

Jag vill känna mig mer fri. Inte rädd för kritik.

Alla coola människor säger hela tiden att “jag bryr mig minsann inte om vad folk säger” och jag önskar att jag vore cool, men det är jag inte. Får väl bara ta o inse att jag är en tönt.

Det är sådana här tankar som flaxar runt i mitt medvetande idag. När jag egentligen borde koncentrera mig på skolan. Har en workshop som måste förberedas och en tenta nästa vecka och en hemtenta som ska vara inne nästa vecka…

Min syster ringde precis… hon har varit på någon kurs för att få reda på vem hon är. Hon hade fått höra en massa “sanningar” om sig själv. Som hade varit sjukt träffande sa hon. Hon var så uppspelt efter mötet att hon var tvungen att ringa. Väldigt spännande!! kursledaren hade verkligen slagit huvudet på spiken när det gällde min syster. Blir imponerad av människor med den förmågan! Fast just nu skulle jag absolut inte vilja träffa henne… vad skulle hon säga… förmodligen peka på mig och säga:

“Du…ja just du, är en av de största töntar jag träffat! Du är ett obotligt fall av denna hemska smitta, du kommer aldrig bli cool”

Och med detta rundar jag av det här inlägget!

I’ve just noticed (with a mild sense of guilt that I managed to firmly wrestle to the ground with deft application of rational and positive thinking) that it’s been almost two months since my last posting. Thankfully that has been entirely down to me being rushed off my feet with enjoyable coaching and training projects… a very happy place to be when you’re a freelance consultant in the midst of a recession. As they say… mustn’t grumble!

So forgive me if I gently tug you back into the dim and distant past and re-present our happiness equation: H = S + C + V. We had got to the final letter – V – the variables within our control that impact our day to day happiness level. In my last posting we looked at how events in the past can impact V, whereas in this posting we will look at the impact of our views of the future.

The future looks bright then… or it does if you happen to be an optimist. As Henry Ford once said, “whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right”. I think it was him anyway.

You can check out your own optimism level on Martin Seligman’s website ‘Authentic Happiness’. You will end up with a report that compares your optimism level with someone of your own age, gender and in your line of work… and you can then see if you’re a Tigger or an Eeyore!

In his book ‘Learned Optimism’, Seligman refers to two crucial dimensions called Permanence and Pervasiveness.

Let’s take Permanence first… Eeyores believe that the causes of the bad things that happen to them are permanent and that these bad things will always happen to them; whereas Tiggers see the causes of bad events as being temporary.

So if you forget your partner’s birthday, you might think “oops, I’ve been preoccupied with work this week” (temporary glitch – optimistic) or you might conclude “I’m rubbish at remembering birthdays” (permanent behaviour/character style – pessimistic). As you can see Tiggers move on with the rest of their lives not giving the missed birthday a second thought… while Eeyores gloomily conclude that all birthdays in the future will be potentially forgotten.

Interestingly if we look at good events, your explanatory style swaps over. So if you win the lottery, Tiggers conclude that they are always lucky (permanent), whereas Eeyores might conclude that it was just a lucky day (temporary).

Next up… Pervasiveness! This is the difference between people who can compartmentalise their problems and carry on regardless with the rest of their life, and people whose world comes crashing down if one tiny aspect breaks.

An example would be that Tiggers who fail an exam might conclude that they didn’t study hard enough for that particular exam (specific). Eeyores on the other hand would be more likely to catastrophise the event by thinking that they were useless at taking all exams (universal). Again with good events the explanatory styles for the optimist and pessimist swap over. So if someone at work comes to them for advice and guidance, Tiggers might conclude that they were respected in the organisation as a good mentor (universal); Eeyores however might think that they were only picked out because they happened to know about that particular topic or issue (specific).

So you can see how being a bit of an Eeyore can put you into a pretty helpless state – you will explain bad events in permanent and pervasive ways so your future expectations are lowered and you make mountains out of molehills. And you will dismiss good events as mere fluke and explain them away by being extremely specific. I feel gloomy just writing this!

Much better then to be a Tigger who dismisses bad events as temporary dips, is focused when finding a root cause in order to minimise any spillover into other pursuits, and comes up with permanent and universal explanations when things go well. Or is it?

Well before we get into all of that philosophy stuff, what can Eeyores do about transforming their pessimism to optimism? Seligman recommends that we practise optimism by first becoming aware of our explanatory style and then by challenging pessimistic thinking patterns (in our own heads of course not by having a heated debate with ourselves out loud in a public place). Why? Because the more optimistic you are the happier you will be.

So is it really better to be a Tigger? I do recall an Open University tutorial a couple of years ago when we looked at something similar on our Social Psychology course. We learned that the human psyche is wired to be more optimistic than pessimistic – a self-preservation technique; and that people who have clinical depression are experiencing depressive reality i.e. they really are seeing life for what it is and have a more accurate view of the world.

So what do you think? I do try and be optimistic in my thinking as I believe it gives me a more positive and enjoyable life experience. And if I dwell too much in the land of existential angst, I can get a trifle gloomy. Overall I’ve concluded that being positive is a good thing, as long as there is a healthy dose of realism in there somewhere. Onwards and upwards!

THE CAPRICORN: In General
Capricorns are usually practical, frugal, conservative, down to earth, serious and somewhat stubborn. All earth elements are somewhat frugal, interested in making money because it needs to feel secure. If he really has need for something he’ll buy it, but he’ll shop for the best buy. Their self-denial, frugality & pessimism can in rare cases lead to being a miser.

They are usually very reserved. Don’t judge a book by it’s cover and don’t judge a capricorn by it’s appearance. Capricorns are pessimistic, practical, prudent, careful, patient and ambitious. They don’t usually call attention to themselves (like the fire signs)

The capricorn quietly allows the more pushy & aggressive to go ahead of him but eventually gets there before them. He uses careful planning and steady advancement – he is not going to rush into anything. He is the most ambitious to get to the top. He wants to be the leader in his way – he’s shy but very stubborn. He’s calm and deliberate with a certain seriousness.

They tend to show a serious personality with stern discipline. They live with much self denial. They can go without too much sleep and they can go without much food. They look harmless but can be very tough. When they go after something they will do so persistently & relentlessly. They manage to digest insults, pressures or disappointments calmly. They don’t take shortcuts because they want to be certain that they will get to wherever they are going. They have a great respect for authority & tradition. They don’t break the law.

Instead of fighting, they will appear to go along but don’t really submit. Carefully avoids obstacles and rarely falls. Avoids jealousy, anger, waste, uselessness. Typical capricorns won’t let emotions blind them of the facts. They usually mind their own business, they are not nosey, they don’t gossip and don’t give people advise unless asked. He copes well with duty and responsibility and can handle frustration.

Even with all their strength, what makes them ill is their pessimism, depression & worry. Very stubborn. Capricorns feelings stay locked inside he only shares with people he very much trusts. A good match for a capricorn would be a Taurus other good matches include: Virgo, Pisces & Cancer.

Earth signs need trust, security & devotion.
Air signs need someone they can talk to, someone that is funny, someone they can play golf with.
Fire signs need someone very exciting, someone very demonstrative.
Water signs need someone who is bonding, who is nurturing, caring and shows empathy.

Capricorns can use more outdoor exercise.They don’t leap into marriage or business unless he’s prepared financially and emotionally. Very security conscious & always thinking about old age (many of them living long life). Many marry late. Capricorns are one of the safest people to trust and confide in. When a Capricorn employee leaves on vacation- everyone will know. He’s responsible, he will come to work early & leave late. Practical, honest & can be a real leader.

In his dreams he’s very romantic, deep affection & display of feelings but when it comes to public he doesn’t want to show it. He’s more snobby and reserved. he may give you the impression that he’s not interested in you but if you get to know him he can be as cozy as a woodfire on a Winter night.

Capricorns are late bloomers, they only relax when they get older. When he gets to the top, he will be more physical and sentimental. Earth signs don’t need to go out they can stay at home and read a book. Tough guy but a great heart. Capricorns hate divorce but if he’s very upset he won’t stick around.

THE CAPRICORN MAN
Shy but strong & tough, practical, organised and dependable, strongly devoted & responsible, have solid marriages, capable of self sacrifice, will not give you flowery speeches but will protect you from all your fears. Capricorns will demand respect & obedience and although family & children are very important to him, they are not a pal with their children but rather more of a true father figure.

THE CAPRICORN WOMAN
Very stubborn but will not nag, she will encourage the husband to get to the top. She doesn’t take teasing lightly. Will be cuddly & affectionate when finances are secure.

If you are a Capricorn or know a Capricorn, How accurate was this description?
(polls)

The one who says it can’t be done should never interrupt the one doing it.

Anonymous

You don’t have to know me very long before you’ll hear me say, “I’ve got some good news and some bad news. Which do you want first?”

I recently heard about two best friends who loved baseball so much they made a pact that whichever one died first would come back and let the other know if there is baseball in heaven. Finally, one of them dies and after getting to heaven sends word back to his friend, “I’ve got some good news and some bad news. The good news is there is baseball in heaven. The bad news is you’re pitching next Friday.”

Everything is a mixture of good news and bad news. Sometimes, though, it’s difficult to discern what is truly good news and what is truly bad news? Sometimes good news comes disguised as bad and bad news often masquerades as good.

Though I hesitate to admit it, more often than not I’m not a very good judge of what is really good in my life and what is really bad. I think I am, but I’m usually not. And I’ll bet you’re not as good at it as you think you are either. So I look at most things through the lens that almost everything in life has a good news component and a bad news component.

Optimists tend to focus on the good news at the expense of the bad news. Their glass is always half full which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, when the glass drops below half full, or the pitcher runs out of liquid, or someone taints the half full glass with arsenic optimism doesn’t serve us so well.

There comes a point when optimism actually becomes a detriment. Researchers at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business have discovered that while optimists tend to behave in more financially prudent ways than most, extreme optimists tend to have “short planning horizons” and more frequently act in unwise ways.

Manju Puri writes, “The differences between optimists and extreme optimists are remarkable, and suggest that over-optimism, like overconfidence, may in fact lead to behaviors that are unwise.”

Pessimists, on the other hand, tend to focus on the bad news at the expense of the good news. Their glass is always half empty, which again, isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, when the source filling the glass is a fire hydrant, pessimism fails to serve us well either.

Pessimism falls short notably in explaining the events we experience, especially problems. According to psychologist Martin Seligman, pessimists tend to explain problems as though they are personal, pervasive, and permanent.

While we tend to embrace optimism and shy away from pessimism, psychologists believe the most successful people are those who are neither overly optimistic nor overly pessimistic, but a healthy combination of both.

Referred to as realism by some, when we consciously take both the good and the bad into account, we place ourselves in the best possible position to deal with a situation or circumstance. After all, being optimistic about something doesn’t miraculously make something good and being pessimistic about something doesn’t automatically make it bad.

So when asked, “Is your glass half full or half empty,” the best answer is always, “Yes.”

We don’t really think about it until the day we are in such despair that hopelessness is the only word to describe our state of mind. Usually we have hope, more or less of it, depending on what we are thinking about, but we have it. If we are also motivated to achieve the results we are looking for, it is likely that we will succeed in our actions.

But we don’t think about hope on a daily basis. It is just present somewhere in our mind. We don’t even notice it. If I applied for a new job and I am now waiting for an answer, very nervous, it obviously means that I hope that I will be positively judged by the interviewer. If I was totally hopelessness, I wouldn’t be stressed, I wouldn’t think about that job in that way. I wouldn’t check my email, or look at my phone more often than usually. I wouldn’t imagine myself in the new office, having new responsibilities and enjoying it. I wouldn’t let my mind wonder how my life would look like if it wasn’t for hoping that I will actually succeed.

Hope is one of the factors that motivates us, whether we think about it or not. Even though this is only one of many factors, it’s the crucial one, the one without which nothing is possible. When we stop hoping for a better life, when we just don’t believe anymore we can get a job, when we start to think that life is not worth any effort, we are driven into a very dangerous state. Because nothing makes sense anymore. It’s not that we don’t move forward and the present moment is “ok”. It’s that we can’t even stand the present moment.

A person that became truly hopelessness needs help and I believe that he or she won’t do it on its own, because that person doesn’t see the point of doing anything. If nothing makes sense, there is no action that can change that state. Fortunately, most of us have a support system, people who love us, people who, if aware of what’s happening to us, are willing to help. It’s a very difficult situation to help a hopeless person and this is why it might be too hard only for one person to do it. Get the family or friends together, explain them how they need to be more present for the one they love, how they all together can make a huge difference in his life. Maybe also look for a specialist who will know how to talk to the person, help in a different way. You just need to create a support system.

When we recuperate some hope, we are able to undertake some steps to achieve whatever we want. We are able to think about the future. Imagine a better tomorrow. Get out of bed. Smile.

Hope is so important, you really wouldn’t like to see what life looks like without it. I’m trying optimist today, so let’s hope for a better future!

Pessimmists :

UrbanDictionary definition : A person who is known for their negative outlook upon life.

Dictionary.com definition : a person who habitually sees or anticipates the worst or is disposed to be gloomy.

Why are people pessimists?

What do they have against the world?

I can tell you.. Since I am one.

The world is an ugly place, I can see it as black and white. No yellow, no red, no blue. Smiles; are for the weak. Frowns; just make you look smart.

We have no reason to wake up in the morning. Because, the world is basically going to end, and we haven’t had a single day when the whole world was at peace.

Kids are still starving.

The cyber world, is just too much to handle.

There are jerks who don’t care, everywhere you go.

Perverts.

KKK.

Nazzis.

Racism.

Hip-hop.

Prejudice.

Shall I go on, or have you gotten my point?

The world, is not a good place.

Please, if you have any objections, let me know. And tell me why you think the world is a good place.

:]

Pessimmists :

UrbanDictionary translationdefinition : A person who is known for their negative outlook upon life.

Dictionary.com definition : a person who habitually sees or anticipates the worst or is disposed to be gloomy.

Why are people pessimists?

What do they have against the world?

I can tell you.. Since I am one.

The world is an ugly place, I can see it as black and white. No yellow, no red, no blue. Smiles; are for the weak. Frowns; just make you look smart.

We have no reason to wake up in the morning. Because, the world is basically going to end, and we haven’t had a single day when the whole world was at peace.

Kids are still starving.

The cyber world, is just too much to handle.

There are jerks who don’t care, everywhere you go.

Perverts.

KKK.

Nazzis.

Racism.

Hip-hop.

Prejudice.

Shall I go on, or have you gotten my point?

The world, is not a good place.

Please, if you have any objections, let me know. And tell me why you think the world is a good place.

:]

You’ve doubtless heard the analogy that optimists view the glass as half full and pessimists view the glass as half empty. It’s less likely that you’ve heard the third part of that analogy: men and women of a different spirit trust that no matter how much water is in the glass, God will provide enough to meet their needs.

In other words, optimists look at thunderclouds and say, “No problem, they’ll blow over.”  Pessimists see clouds and wonder how long they have to get inside before the rain’s gonna fall. Meanwhile, men and women of a different spirit marvel that God created the clouds and proclaim that rain or shine, God is faithful and able to provide strength to weather the storm.

In this blog entry, I’d like to take a few minutes to talk about men and women of a different spirit. And to start, I’ll provide a little background about what I mean when I use that term.

The idea of living with a “different spirit” is powerfully described in the book of Numbers. Here’s the context of the story in which the term is first used: After a long journey through the desert, God had brought the people of Israel to the land of Canaan, where he wanted them to settle. The Israelites were finally ready to enter and occupy the land God had promised to give them. Before they moved forward into Canaan, however, Moses sent twelve leaders into the land to check it out. So, these twelve spies went and explored the land and then brought back a report to Moses and the people about what they had seen.

Well, all twelve spies described a beautiful, bountiful land “flowing with milk and honey.” Yet, despite this glowing report, ten of the twelve spies said that the people of Israel would never be able to enter the land. They explained that giants lived in Canaan, and that these powerful men would destroy anyone who tried to take over the land. So, despite God’s promise to give Canaan to the people of Israel, these ten spies told Moses and all the Israelites it would be impossible to defeat the giants and take ownership of the land.

The ten spies’ response is pretty surprising, since these men were hand-selected spiritual leaders. They had seen God call down plagues on the Egyptians, part the Red Sea, manifest Himself as a pillar of fire, and rain down food from heaven, and yet they were terrified of human giants. They lost sight of God’s power and promises because they focused on the earthly obstacles that stood in their way.

In contrast, only two spies – Caleb and Joshua – said, “We should go up and take possession of the land. We can CERTAINLY do it. The land we passed through is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land and will give it to us. Only you do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them” (Num. 13:30, 14:7-9).

Caleb and Joshua had seen the exact same giants as the other ten spies, but they viewed those giants, they viewed the situation, through the lens of faith. They knew that God was on their side and would accomplish His purposes. They trusted the Lord’s power more than they feared the giants’ strength.

That’s why Caleb and Joshua were men of a different spirit. In Numbers 1:22-24, God says to the nation of Israel, “Not one of the men who saw my glory and the miraculous signs I performed in Egypt and in the desert but who disobeyed me and tested me ten times, not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their forefathers. No one who has treated me with contempt will ever see it. But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.”

With his unwavering faith and wholehearted commitment to God’s glory, Caleb was a man of a “different spirit.” That term describes his godly character and his willingness to trust, obey, and submit to the Lord. Ultimately, it describes his vision, focused on God’s character and ability rather than his own circumstances.

The co-worker who originally challenged me to be a woman of a different spirit has definitely exemplified what it looks like to live with a perspective of faith. He and his wife just lost a court battle to keep custody of their adopted daughter, who’s lived with them for over a year. This means their little girl will have to leave the stability and security of their warm Christian home to live with an unsaved mother who has significant struggles.

His hearts breaking at the loss of his daughter, my co-worker described the many questions that he’s asked the Lord: “God, what are you doing? This situation doesn’t make any sense. How will you get glory through this? My daughter could have grown up learning about you in our home, but won’t have that opportunity anymore. Will my little girl have a chance to hear the gospel now?”

Despite the questions and confusion, despite the hurt, my co-worker testified that he and his wife are praising the Lord for His character. They’re thanking Him for His grace in this situation. They’re leaning on Him since their strength is gone. Ultimately, they’re trusting God that He’ll work through this situation and that He will be glorified, even if they don’t see any good or get any benefit out of the circumstances. My co-worker and his wife are living as men and women of a different spirit in the midst of a devastating situation, and they’ve blessed my life with their testimony.

Their story raises the challenge, when you and I are faced with situations that don’t make any sense, will we be men and women of a different spirit? Will we affirm that God is good and sovereign and that He will be glorified in the midst of hardship, confusion, or pain? Will we view life’s storms through the eyes of faith, trusting God’s promise to accomplish His purposes more than we fear the circumstances we face? Will we rest in and rely on God’s ability and sufficiency to move forward when we’re too weak for the road ahead?

Ten spies saw an impossible situation, only two saw an amazing chance for God to work, for Him to reveal more of Himself, and for Him to receive glory. In the situations you and I face, which perspective will we take? Far from being pessimists, and more than being optimists, I pray that we would be men and woman of a different spirit – men and woman of faith.

originally posted on 10/25/09