"The pessimist complains about the wind.
The optimist expects it to change.
The realist adjusts the sails."
I don't know a single soul who is just one of those. I am all three, depending on the day, the topic, the mood. And I bet most folks would agree.
Many times, I'm a pessimist when I return from a store where the service is awful. Or when someone rudely misses a traffic light because she's yakkin' on her cell phone. Or when a kid is disrespectful to their parent, when I'm within earshot. I'm pretty sure, during those times, I'm convinced our society is going to hell in a handbag. The world news on TV usually leaves me in a pessimistic mood, longing for the "good old days". It's these instances -and more - that leave me "complaining about the wind". Pessimists attract other pessimists because pessimism is a great conversation-starter, isn't it? Folks love to grumble and share their woes. Maybe I'm a magnet in the line at the store because of my pessimism?
I'm an optimist when I'm in church because, there, I'm reminded that there's something more than what we have "here". I'm an optimist when I'm around certain people-usually other optimists. Friends who always see the good in others...or give others a second chance, because we don't know their circumstances. I'm an optimist when I'm around my kids and grandkids. They have so much going for them...so many opportunities within their reach....so much promise..maybe, just maybe, they can "change the wind".
I'm a realist many days. I'll see things as they are...pure and simple...no rose-colored glasses here. I may not like what I see but to use an over-used phrase " It is what it is". During those times, I guess I better just "adjust my sails".
Which one are you most of the time?
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