So Which Is It— Half Empty, or Full?

The above saying is something we have all heard.  But what does it mean and how do we get to half full?  According to the Mayo Clinic; “Optimism is the belief that good things will happen and bad things are temporary setbacks that need to be overcome”. 

So how do we handle those downtrodden times when everything appears to be falling apart?  We can all find one thing, no matter how small, to feel grateful for.  It is also true that life is more pleasant when we experience motivation and persistence.   That is the true meaning of the glass half full.

Optimists attack problems head on and do not walk away. 

Dr. Segerstrom, a researcher on this subject wrote,” when faced with uncontrollable stressors, optimists react by building “existential recourses” by  looking for something good to come out of the situation or looking at the event in such a way as to grow by it in a positive way. 

Someone who had lost their mother at a young age gained value from this experience by living each day as if it were her last, but with a  focus on the future in case it wasn’t.  Parent’s who bolster their children’s self-esteem by avoiding criticism and praising accomplishments can encourage them with a lifelong can-do attitude.

A good tool to use, is at the end of each day just jot down three positive things that have happened, which will help end your day on an upbeat note.   

Avoid negative self talk. Instead of focusing on prospective failure, dwell on the positive aspects of a situation. If you find that no matter how much you try, you can’t get yourself out of this funk and find that this black cloud is over your head you may want to seek professional help, as it might be a sign of depression.