Throughout my life, I have often regarded pessimism as a virtue. I used to think that optimism was a trait reserved for the naive. Better, I believed, to remain vigilant against potential disappointments. Whereas an optimist might view a cloudy sky as a sign of beneficial rain, a pessimist anticipates a torrential downpour that could lead to costly repairs and unforeseen disasters. Yes, that was me—always prepared for the worst.
However, this year marks a shift towards optimism.
My journey began when a group of inspiring writers invited me to set goals for the year ahead. Although I felt uneasy about sharing my aspirations—fearing that verbalizing them might invite misfortune—I accepted. During our meeting, we chose themes to guide our pursuits, encouraging us to step outside our comfort zones. My initial thought was “Determined Optimism,” but the word “determined” seemed to overshadow the lightness of “optimism.” It felt forced and grim, reflecting my internal struggle.
With no theme to anchor me, anxiety crept in. I feared that without a guiding principle, I would remain stagnant and unproductive.
But then I noticed a worrying trend: my pessimism was affecting my son, Ethan. At just 11 years old, he was quick to declare his drawings “terrible” despite their unique beauty. When things didn’t go as planned—like being late for a movie or receiving a lower-than-expected grade—he would immediately expect the worst. It was painful to hear my own negative thoughts echoed back at me and to witness his stress over potential outcomes that might never materialize.
One day while driving home from school, Ethan mentioned that he didn’t think he had performed well on his quiz. His tone mirrored my own past fears, which made me tense. But then he shifted his perspective, saying, “But you know what? I’ll do better on the next one.”
I was taken aback. “That’s true,” I replied, surprised by his sudden optimism.
He explained that during a photography project, he had accidentally chipped his camera lens while playing. Instead of reprimanding him, his art teacher suggested they use the broken lens for a creative project. “She found something good about what happened,” he said. “She’s an optimist, and I thought that was a good way to be.”
In that moment, I recognized something profound. While I was preoccupied with potential disasters, Ethan saw an opportunity for creativity and learning, which sparked his passion for art. His teacher’s reaction inspired him to adopt a more positive mindset—one that I had long abandoned.
This realization prompted me to consider the benefits of optimism. Pessimists dwell on worries, while optimists envision possibilities. It’s time for me to embrace a more hopeful outlook, approaching life with calmness and confidence. I am determined to nurture a sense of optimism not only for my own well-being but also for Ethan’s future.
This year, I am ready to let go of anxious pessimism and embrace the power of optimism. If you need me, I’ll be focusing on my writing goals and cultivating a positive mindset. After all, I believe I can do this, and I can feel it resonating within me.
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Summary
Embracing optimism can transform our outlook on life. Witnessing my son’s journey towards a more positive mindset encouraged me to re-evaluate my own pessimistic tendencies. By fostering a spirit of optimism, we can inspire creativity and see opportunities rather than obstacles.