I am a pessimist. I don’t love being a pessimist but I have embraced the fact that I am one. I tend to look at life and see what could go wrong. When people ask how we are doing, my first reaction is to tell them the negative things going on in our lives. It’s what I see first.
One of my most common phrases is “Hope for the Best, Plan for the Worst, and snack in between.” I plan for the worst, and I usually assume the worst.
Now, I’ve tried to change. I’ve tried to reverse my thinking. I’ve tried to change my answer when asked, “How are you doing?” I always answer with the truth…work is crazy busy…Father in law has been diagnosed with cancer…Have a leak in the house for months…Kids are sick…
Sometimes life can really stink…
…But there’s a POSITIVE side to being a pessimist. 😉
1. I’m usually well prepared. I assumed something bad would happen so I planned the “fix” for it. I’m also “that mom” with the “magic bag” that has everything you would need for any problem.
2. I expect the worst, but when things “go right”, I am pleasantly surprised.
3. I tend to be over-protective because I imagine the worst and I’m extra cautious. However, I’m more aware of my surroundings and can usually foresee the “accident waiting to happen” and can stop it before it does. (You know… like a superwomen power! 😃)
4. I am a great problem solver. I can look at a problem and see multiple options for a solution. I then, can see the negative side to that solution and fix that before it becomes another problem.
5. I am a great event planner. I plan for every possible scenario. (If it’s windy the napkins will blow away. If it’s raining we will go to a new location.) I picture every detail, every layout, and imagine the problems that will arise and I come up with a solution for that problem.
6. I am a great encourager. I can encourage others because I know and recognize the stinky side to life. I tend to see when others are hurting, and I get it! I have been there. Going through life, being honest with yourself and others, realizing that life is not all rainbows and glitter….That’s what makes a great encourager.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
Embracing my pessimism has caused me to change the way I think. I have to make a daily choice. I have to choose Joy everyday.
Choosing Joy is seeing God’s goodness, even when life is hard and messy.
So, while being called a Pessimist used to bring up negative feelings, (pun intended) I choose to be the person the Lord created me to be, and I choose to be the most Joyful Pessimist.
Cowles Farm 