No Use Crying over Spilled Gin: The Power of Optimism in Everyday Life
Optimists get a bit of a bad rap in the real world. (Meaning anywhere outside of the personal development blogosphere, of course.) Being optimistic can get you called naive, silly, green, and ridiculous. But every once in a while, you get a chance to appreciate optimism, usually when you least expect it.
Here’s a story that I can’t resist telling, so please bear with me. You get to decide whether the good news or the bad trumps the day.
The Bad News:
I’m a bit bruised and sore all over today. I got body-checked into a few walls last night.
The Good News:
B and I found a fun new way game to play together and all we need is a tennis ball and some floor space. Hooray bonding!
The Bad News:
The aforementioned tennis ball went flying into the pantry during the game, smashing a bottle of Beefeater, a special treat to myself that I ration carefully.
The Good News:
The ball managed to hit the only bottle of clear booze or liquid in the pantry. (Mama likes her Midori…) Cleanup was a breeze!
The Bad News:
There are shards of glass scattered into all corners of the pantry. That’s going to be a fun way to spend an afternoon: trying not to shank ourselves on broken glass as we clean up.
The Good News:
It’s winter–slipper season! There’s plenty of time to clean up the glass, and no one was hurt.
The Bad News:
We’re out a $30 bottle of gin and our splurge money is maxed out. No more gin and tonics for awhile.
The Good News:
The bottle was 2/3 empty and it’s not the priciest option in the pantry. Losing a giant bottle of Johnnie Walker Red would’ve been a much bigger tragedy, possibly involving a backyard burial.
So after an accident that could’ve ruined the night, I walked away feeling grateful that we had such a fun time and that the incident was as minor as it could have possibly been. I walked away happy. That’s the power of everyday optimism.
Time to weigh in! Which carried the day: good events or bad events?
photo credit: berbercarpet
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This post has 13 comments
February 11th, 2009
Sara, This was a fantastic post! A year and a half ago my husband was diagnosed with, treated for, had surgery to remove and completely recovered from colorectal cancer. I was devastated at first, we both were….but we talked about it….. and he was treated and you would have never known he had it. He was a little tired, never sick….didn’t miss a day of work (until the mandatory recooperation). I was optimistic and actually fine about it. I had ‘friends’ tell me I was in denial. They didn’t understand. Yes it sucked. Yes we beat it. We knew we would….we’re optimists
Thanks for ‘getting it’ too!
Jennifers last blog post..Is it Wednesday already !?
February 11th, 2009
As a guy who regularly is referred to as naive by his lovely wife, I know what you’re sayin’.
Hey, you can’t even go to a movie nowadays for $30. And most of the crap on the silver screen is forgotten as soon as you see it. An evening of fun with a tennis ball is priceless!
Cheers,
Adam
Adam Steer – Better Is Betters last blog post..My Top Three Clubbell® Exercises – Part one of three, The Clubbell® Side-Semi
February 11th, 2009
Always appreciate optimism…absolutely.
Christophers last blog post..Koala Rescued from Australia Fires
February 12th, 2009
Oh no, Beefeaters! I am sad for you. You have a good attitude about it though!
Taylor at Household Management 101s last blog post..Feb 12, Weekly House Cleaning Schedules Benefit Your Home And Sanity
February 12th, 2009
Ah love this. There’s a good side to everything!
Sagans last blog post..Interpretations of Marketing Strategies: Botox for Dogs
February 12th, 2009
Sara,
Looking at the glass as half full, always brings perspective to the situation. My husband’s an eternal optimist while I’m usually not,but he’s taught me that when situations happen, there will be something good that will come out of it…may be not immediately, but, definitely, in the long run. That positive attitude, I think, is what turns circumstances around.
Nithyas last blog post..Fear Factor
February 12th, 2009
This gives great perspective. Way to go. Last week I read that in every bad situation ask yourself, “what’s awesome about this?” I’ve been noticing this week that everything bad so far has had a “awesome” element.
Vals last blog post..
February 12th, 2009
As a pessimist trying to learn optimism, I admire optimists and envy them. What a wonderful way to go through life!
February 12th, 2009
That sounds like fun, well worth the Beefeater and the clean up time
February 13th, 2009
Seen this story before? http://www.jademountains.net/blessings-disguise
Also turns up in at least one Zen parable that I am ware of!
Good and bad are interconnected, it isn’t possible to have one without the other, so choose, and choose wisely where your mind dwells!
Keep up the fun!
Puerhans last blog post..108 Poems #035
February 13th, 2009
I’m glad no one has flat out called me crazy. (Though you’re more than welcome to if you’d like…) There are times when optimism isn’t enough, but with day to day stuff, there’s usually some kind of silver lining that can be found.
And Puerhan, I think I know what zen parable you’re thinking of; it’s featured in a Jon Muth children’s book. (Zen Shorts, I think.) I love his stuff!
February 13th, 2009
While I appreciate the wider perspective, I’m not sure I’d be too pleased about the way things turned out in this instance. A smashed bottle of gin and glass through the pantry would seriously diminish my few minutes of fun with a tennis ball. Sure it’s good to appreciate that it could have been worse but I don’t need something to go wrong in order to value what I already have.
Caitlins last blog post..Photo Friday: Queen Elizabeth’s hunting lodge
February 14th, 2009
Hi Sara,
Yes, the parable is indeed in John Muth’s Zen Shorts! His books are beautiful through and through!
All the best.
Puerhans last blog post..The universe may one day perish, yet my vows are eternal
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