Throughout my life, I’ve worn my pessimism like a badge of honor, convinced that optimism was a trait reserved for the naive. I believed it was wise to stay alert for the worst possible outcomes, so that I wouldn’t be caught off guard. While optimists might view a cloudy sky as a signal for beneficial rain, I would envision catastrophic leaks and flooding—a mindset that, admittedly, has become second nature for me.
However, this year marked a shift towards optimism, catalyzed by a gathering of inspiring women writers who encouraged me to set writing goals. Although initially uncomfortable with this exercise, I recognized that I needed to break free from my self-imposed limitations. I attempted to create a theme for the year, landing on “Determined Optimism,” but found myself stuck in the grim reality of my pessimistic outlook. I abandoned the notion of a theme entirely, which led to a period of anxiety about my productivity and potential.
As I navigated this journey, I began to notice how my pessimism had seeped into my son James’s perspective. At just 11 years old, he would become disheartened if a drawing didn’t meet his expectations, declaring it “terrible,” despite its artistic merit from my viewpoint. When faced with challenges like being late for a movie or receiving a disappointing grade, he would spiral into worst-case scenarios, mirroring my own mindset.
One day, while driving home from school, James expressed his doubts about a quiz. Despite his initial gloom, he shifted gears and cheerfully stated, “But, you know what? I’ll do better on the next one.” His ability to pivot his thoughts surprised me. I learned that he had been inspired by his art teacher, who had encouraged him to see the positive side of an unfortunate incident involving his camera lens. Instead of panicking, she suggested repurposing the broken lens into an art project.
In that moment, I realized how my own tendency to anticipate disaster prevented me from appreciating the teacher’s creative solution. James, with his newfound optimism, was excited about the opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of a camera, which fueled his passion for art.
This revelation highlighted the difference between pessimists and optimists: pessimists worry, while optimists dream. It’s time for me to embrace that dream-like state, to approach life with a sense of calm and anticipation. So, I’m ditching the anxious pessimism and welcoming optimism. If you need me, I’ll be over here, diligently working towards my goals, convinced that I can succeed.
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In summary, my son’s innocent embrace of optimism has inspired me to reconsider my own outlook on life. It’s a reminder that while life can be challenging, maintaining a hopeful perspective can lead to new opportunities and growth.
Keyphrase: embracing optimism
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