So, I'm an Optimist. Get over it!
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Optimists
It never ceases to amaze me how passionately some people dislike optimists. Just to make things clear, an optimist is someone who has a very positive demeanour, who sees the silver lining in every cloud and looks at the bright side of every dark situation.
An optimist will be the one who's smiling when plans to picnic in the park has been ruined by unexpected rain. They'll be the one to say, "Hey, we can have a picnic in my living room!" An optimist will be the one to take a job loss as an opportunity to get a better job.
I am like that and apparently, it annoys people. I remember my facebook status was one: "Well, I had a horrible start to me day. I guess that means it can only get better from here." One of my friends commented and wrote: "Your optimism makes me wanna puke." The best response I had for her was: lol.
“Having a positive mental attitude is asking how something can be done rather than saying it can't be done.”
- Bo Bennett
Where Did My Positivity Come From?
For me, thinking positively is easy. I don't know if it has to do with how I've been raised or it's just a personality I was born with. Whatever it is, positivity and optimism have always came easy to me. For some reason, I've always been able to look on the bright side of things.
You're probably thinking that means I've had an easy life, right? Or an easy childhood. Well, sadly that is not completely true. Things have been... well, bad for lack of a better word. There has been a lot of struggles that I have faced. Some of the things I've been through, no one would ever guess, by the smile that's always on my face.
The Role of My Faith
I have a very strong belief in Christ - in God. I go to church at LEAST twice a week and I just love it. Prayer is a great exercise in faith, hope and often leads to positivity. With faith in God, I know things will be alright no matter what. I've been taught that God doesn't give me more than I can handle. Therefore, all my struggles and hardships - I can handle it. I'll get through it and I know it can only make me stronger.
To me, when a hardship comes along, it's just another test. A test from God to see how I will handle it. From the looks of things, I think I've passed every test... well I sure hope so. In the end, I hope I can look back at my struggles and laugh at it all.
My Anger Inability
I have a remarkable sense of "forgive and forget." I CANNOT stay upset with anyone. I just cannot. If someone angers me, within the hour, my anger melts away. I'm not exaggerating. I just cannot hold a grudge and I guess I can tie that to my optimism. I don't know how exactly I can tie the two things together but there has to be a connection.
Sometimes I get upset with myself for my inability to stay angry. Sometimes I just wish I can stay angry with someone - at least for a little while longer. It's ridiculous. I remember once I got into a fight (yes, a physical fight) with my best friend. I was about 12 years old then. I was heated (I had a bad tempter)! Yet, to this very day, I cannot remember what in the world we were fighting about.
It's the strangest thing. After fighting with my friend, I was talking to her like nothing happened. I'm pretty sure that was less than an hour later.
Pessimists Vs. Optimists
I heard that people WANT to be around optimists. Optimists are supposed to make others feel better. They can share their ability to turn a bad situation into a good situation. At the same time, people are annoyed by the sunshiny nature of optimists. It simply irks them that optimists can be so... well, optimistic all the time!
I remember my friend yelled at me once for smiling when a class field trip was cancelled. My thought was: "Well, we get to do nothing all day!" We were still in school but since the trip was supposed to be an all-day event, there were no lesson plans. We watched movies all day basically. It was great.
They say that opposites attract but it is a fact that pessimists do no like optimists. Pessimists are those who are very negative. Pessimists make bad situations are far worse than they are. When bad things come around, they feel death is near. Pessimists walk around with a dark cloud over their heads, optimists walk around with a rainbow over their heads.
I'm Not ALWAYS Happy
I'm an optimist but I do have times of negativity. I mean, I can't be happy ALL THE TIME. Only people who know me very well have seen the negative side of me. Only people who can see into my heart can see when I'm in a mood of pessimism and negativity.
It's usually during times when there is a lot on my plate. That is the ONLY time you will see my negative side - when I'm stressed. But at the end, I can talk myself into looking at the positive side of things.
I've been called annoying so many times JUST for my optimism. But I'm an optimist! I'm not going to change that. It's what keeps me alive. It's my coping mechanism; my method of survival. It's what I thrive on! I'm an optimist! Get over it!
"Optimism Series"
For my Health Psychology class, I've finally chosen a topic for my APA Research Paper: "The Effect of Optimism on the Immune System." I've started doing research and I'm fascinated. I'm going to share my research with HubPages through an optimism series. Keep posted! :)
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Thanks, Sam! That's definitely a call to think about the good in a case like that. haha. And you're right; it does suck when all you can feel is pessimism. Like I said, when I'm stressed out, that's how I feel. Not fun! Thanks for commenting. :)
A very good subject and a great hub! Thanks for sharing!
Thank YOU for commenting, Paula!
Optimism is the secret to a stress free and beautiful life kaltopsyd,never let it go!;)
Kimberly - If you possess the gift of optimism, don't fight it. Accept it and go with the flow. Optimists live longer than pessimists and enjoy life more. Optimists understand the power of humor and laughter and have the power to laugh and forget. Pessimists simply forget to laugh. Trust me, it's a fact.
I've learned the art of optimism. Kinda like the glass is still half empty for me but only because it was filled with rum and I drank half of it. lol
I've had my lights shut off because I didnt pay the bill and so my husband and friends threw a lights out party. Friends are always there to make me laugh instead of cry.
When asked, "How are you?" I reply, "Outstanding!" Because I am outstanding in the meadow...! Seriously, I appreciate each moment.
I feel I've got to know you little bit better Kimberly.
You seem to have discovered, as with any great gift, that optimism can be a two edged sword at times; but one you seem to be wielding skilfully. My eldest daughter, of the sanguine temperament, is also a natural optimist - and a joy to be with; she truly is the life of the party and the light in the sometimes gloom. Yet, as with all strengths, time and experience reveals where and how it is best employed. The optimists that God has brought into my life have often been the most supportive people I've met, a true blessing. Enjoyed your hub.
Great hub, Kimberly! Best of luck with your paper. You've chosen a wonderful topic :)
I am an optimist and people think I am an airhead.Thanks for the hub.
Optimism is catching, so is laughter. Misery and pessimism is just plain awful. Enjoy being an optimist Kaltosyd and spread laughter and positive thoughts whenever you can. Enjoyed the read thanks.
KAlto,
The way you describe your inability to stay angry reminds me of something.... Myself! I'm not an optimist or a pessimist, but I have never been able to stay angry or happy for long. After a short time, the emotions just wear off and I have to go in search of new things to be happy about. I wonder if that's normal for most people?
I'm not surprised that you are an optimist. It fits your personality very well! Would you call me a realist? :)
I've learned that when I try to hold a grudge, the only one that it affects is... me. Others don't live inside my mind so what I am thinking about, positive or negative really only hurts or helps, me. I'd rather be in a good mood and be a blessing to others. The Lord has shown me grace. I need to extend the same grace to others. Whatsoever thing are good and true and admirable or praiseworthy.... Think on these things.
Love your hub!
Thank you so much, Mentalist!
Dr. BJ: "Pessimists simply forget to laugh..." I like that. Thanks for the new outlook. That makes sense. A sense of humour does go a long way.
Thank you both for commenting!
Evvy: The ART of optimism, huh? That's a lovely way to put it. Aww, a lights out party! Now that's an optimistic approach. How nice! :) Thanks for your fun comment. hehe.
Lora: Thanks! I hope this IS a good topic for my paper. At least it's interesting, right...? :)
Granny's House: I totally understand! haha.
Thank you all for commenting!
Thanks, Marie for your lovely comment! I will continue being optimist and hope to spread laughter along the way. Thank you! :)
AC: hehe. A realist? Hmm... I think you're an optimist and you just don't know it. At least you're quite positive in nature. You're very encouraging and love challenges. You take challenges on in a positive manner so... yeah. And yes, we both have that anger inability thing. Isn't that annoying!? lol.
Oops! Dallas and Parrster. I didn't mean to skip you two. I'm sorry. Okay...
Dallas: You certainly ARE an optimist. I sense it in all your writings! Keep it up! :)
Parrster: I'm glad you got to know me better. I can only hope that I have brought joy into people's lives as much as the optimists in your life has brought joy to yours. That's such a beautiful thing to say.
Thank you both for commenting!
Whew! FRED! Time to respond to your comment. hehe.You're right about holding a grudge. It does affect the person holding it the most, if not entirely. Especially if the person who you're holding a grudge against has already moved on and doesn't even REMEMBER your issue.
Being in a good mood is so much easier. And being a blessing is so much less exhausting than being a sourpuss who puts everyone down. You sound like such a kind and caring person. Keep being that way. Keep blessing others and God will continue to bless you.
-K. Alto
Great hub and outlook!
Thanks Fiddleman! Oh and I love the Fiddle and violin. :) I just thought I'd slip that in.
Being an optimist is a wonderful thing - please don't change. Anyone who doesn't like it can just go cry in a corner. I love your hub.
Hahaha. You really made me smile K! Thanks for that. I'm glad you liked my Hub.
I think you are right about the optimist thing. I am sometimes very realistic though, usually when making important decisions. And... I dunno, maybe it's good to not be able to stay angry.
You're a perfect balance of optimism and realism. Sometimes we have to look at the realistic side of things. Otherwise... well, we can't live in a fantasy world forever. :)
Being an optomist (generally) i quite understand where you are coming from.
I was at a church meeting the other week and we had to describe our worries about our children- mine were positive, my friend who lives 10 doors away was worried about gang violence and saw negatives in everything... there we were same age, kids the same age and both looking at things in different ways- God was listen to our prayers and wonder at the miracle he made in man
Great points to make and positivity does have great benefits on the immune system. I only wish I could convince my mom of this!
Thanks, Ms. Audrey! I wish I can convince many people of this. Most people just scoff at the "claim."
Very well said, You continue to be exactly who you are, If it seems to bother people, in time they will have to get over it. ( just like you said )Two thumbs up.
hehe. Thanks a bunch, Tina! :D
Case worker, I skipped your comment. So sorry! IT's amazing how differently people can react in the SAME situations isn't it? That proves it all depends on the attitude you take on when confronting a scenario.
Thank you both for commenting!
I was once told by a dear friend that some people are just born with grace. Kim, I believe you are one of these blessed people.Optimist's have the secret to a rich and faithful life built right into their being. That one thing that keeps their heart in constant contact with the higher power or God (which ever it is for that person). It makes my soul sing to think that you have been given the gift of optimistic living. As for those bad days, that just makes you human! Lovely hub Kim.
K9
Awww... you've sort of made me speechless, K9. Um... thank you so much for such a beautiful comment and kind compliments. The majority of your comments seem to have this impact on me... and let me tell you, it's not easy to silence me. hehe. Thanks again!
I'm like you! And people find me irritating too at times. I tell people to look for that bright light at the end of the dark tunnel and they give me a WTF look! I like your attitude. Always stay that way!
hahaha. Well it's nice to see that I'm not the only 'weirdo' as people think. Thanks, Diva! :)
I've finally met my long lost twin sister... you!! love this. I have always been accused of being overly optimistic and happy go lucky, and I've had a response very similar to your's on facebook, haha! Thanks again - really enjoyed reading this!
hahahaha. Thanks for making me laugh, Melanie. It's cool that we kind of have the same experience! :D I'm glad you enjoyed reading my Hub. Thanks!
You know, its funny because I don't know you, but I feel much like you do. Most people think that if wee see the light at the end of the tunnel there must be something extremely wrong with us. So what is an optimist to do? See the light but turn around and continue in darkness? Nope, we are going to do the only thing we "optimist" know how to do, put on those shades and reach for the sun!
Amen, sister mrod. I totally agree. We can't turn and run from the light. We share the light with everyone! hehe. I love the way you put that. Nice! Thank you!
I know I am an optimist and it does help the immune system. If I don't feel well, I just think it will pass and it does.
great hub, being optimist is all the reason why the mankind still exist
Thanks, agent! I hope my optimism now can boost my immune system. (I have a cold). lol. Keep being optimistic!
Hubmu, you're absolutely right. Thanks for commenting!
Great hub, awesome attitude, be quite sure that optimism will always lead u 2 power,and in the long run even if the pessimist may be proved right the optimist will always have a better time on the trip. cheers and always keep it up :)
Thank you so much, Nawal. I really like your outake on the pessimist vs the optimist. Very clever. :) Thanks again.
I used to be an optimist...but I got over it. You do seem like you would be an optimistic person from what little I know of you.
haha. You got over it? Thank you! I'm glad I give off and optimistic vibe. :)
Great hub. I've been under a lot of pressure recently and this was a good reminder that every cloud has a silver lining!
Oh that's great to know! I'm glad I can help, gramarye! It's nice to see you around here again. :D
This part made me smile: "I just cannot hold a grudge and I guess I can tie that to my optimism." Apart from that exaggeration, I too think you are an optimist, and admire your abundance of creative energy. Hopefully, we will reconnect some day, preferably all a little bit more relaxed. Sincerely, W.E.
Well hello, W.E. It's a coincidence to see you here on my Hub. Just today I thought about you for some reason and then I came across one of your newer Hubs. Interesting... :) Well thank you for commenting.
I really love your stuff. Im not an optimist at all. I came from a broken home, abusive parents, foster homes... all that stuff but have learned that music is my way out of it all. I love listining to Green Day. Their so inspiring and their music dulls the pain. optimisim really helps if your troubled nd this article is AMAZING.
St.Jimmy! Thanks so much. I'm glad you're enjoying my hubs! :D I'm sorry about what you've been through. Music is a great catharsis. It really is. I totally understand. :) I have a piano student that makes me listen to a Green Day song on youtube every time she has a lesson. lol.
Optimism can really help when you're trouble. Thank you once again!!!
i know that kid!! shes like a sister to me. we both share a love for green day and punk music.
LOL! She told me. hahaha. It's a small world after all. :P
This is a great hub, and I have voted it up.
I have always been an optimistic person, and as far as I can remember, I have always been a Christian.
I think there is some link between the two but that is not the full explanation.
For some unknown reason I have always considered myself to be remarkably lucky - or blessed, depending on how one looks at these things.
My parents were not particularly optimistic, so they didn't raise me to be that way. In fact, I know that I sometimes annoyed my mother by always seeing the bright side of every situation.
I hope that your research project went well.
If you are optimistic now, you live in a bubble.
Hello Pat!
My project did go very well. I even enjoyed it. I think you're right about that link between Christianity and optimism. Maybe it has something to do with "faith"? I don't know.
Pessimist: I guess I live in a bubble then. Thanks for commenting. :)
sammyfiction 19 months ago
I like your take on all this :) it was a very good (and kinda funny) to read :) I wouldn't call myself an optimist, nooo, but I can definitely think about the good when say a kitchen hand of mine doesn't show fir work- I end up saving money for that night. It just sucks when nothing goes right and all you can feel is pessimism.
Nice work! :)