Optimism

I was once told that I lived in La La Land. I wasn't sure at first what was meant by that statement but soon realized that she just didn't get me. She didn't understand where I was coming from. She didn't look through the same glasses that I did. It was as simple as that. With all things being equal—same situation, same circumstances, same everything, our perspective was going to be exactly opposite.

This is the definition of an optimist-- "hopefulness and confidence about the future or successful outcome of something; a tendency to take a favorable or hopeful view."

I've been told throughout my lifetime that I am an optimist.

It isn't that I don't feel heartbreak, sadness or fear, it's just that after the initial shock I almost immediately think of the next step. My brain moves quickly—to the "at least" mode. Here's an example—let's say my house were to burn down. Many people would be devastated. I would have the same reaction at first and then—the next step--well, at least my dog survived, or at least we have insurance, or at least we weren't home. I do it with everything. Whether it's a scary diagnosis, a death, or financial disaster, I go into the "at least" mode. Sometimes this can drive my husband a little nuts. He sees my first reaction, which he thinks is normal but then doesn't understand how quickly I fly into survival mode.

In my opinion, being an optimist is liberating. I don't worry much, I am often very happy and content, and I love life. I look at my glass that is not only half full, but I see it as being overflowing. Even in the middle of complete chaos

I eventually will find something positive.

I've come to realize that optimism is an integral part of my character and personality. It's something that I don't want to change even if I could. I need it to survive in this world of ours.

I want to continue to have hope. And I always want to draw people towards that hope. It's much more fun to live a life that is hopeful and free than to live one that is bitter and destructive. It's a sweet life and I love it.