I definitely think of myself as a glass-half-full person who’s always looking on the bright side.
If I shovel the driveway, the snowplow will come!
I have a positive outlook on just about everything. A hilly race, an impossible workload, a mountain of snow to shovel–nothing gets me down. I may bitch and moan, roll my eyes, or share a snarky comment to relieve stress, but I will put on a smile, pull out my can-do attitude and get the job done.
I would say that I am an optimist to the core, but I do suffer from anxiety and panic attacks when it comes to my kids. Have you seen those internet meme’s about moms who think their kids are bleeding in a gutter somewhere when they don’t get a response to a text message? That’s me. On the other hand, I also panic when my kids call instead of texting, because that often means that something is wrong. ~sigh~
Sometimes I wonder if my optimism has to do with my Christian faith. I’ve had a strong prayer life since I was a child, and immediately turn to God in times of trouble, often using this Psalm. But while I trust in God to see me through, I don’t count on God to work things out my way, or to provide me with an easy way. So, I’m not sure my faith is what makes me optimistic, but maybe it does have me looking for the bright side of any situation.
I think most runners I know are optimists. We sign up for challenging races, optimistic that our training plans will get us ready. We line up on race day even if our training didn’t go as planned due to illness, injury, or life. When race day weather sucks, we wrap our shoes with duct tape, don trash bags, and try to make the most of it.
When I started thinking about today’s Wednesday Word (optimism), this song popped into my head. Watching the video reminded me of how totally inappropriate it might seem out of context, but I hope you enjoy it anyway!
[Tweet “Always Looking On the Bright Side #motivation”]
Is there something you have a hard time feeling optimistic about?
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SURPRISINGLY NO!
even when I wanna be grumpy about something and stomp my feet and say I WONNNNT WORK—I can’t.
Maybe we walkers are the same way?!
I think its you – you’re amazing!
Well, I did try to remain optimistic about Chester — that he would beat the odds — but it was hard, and as I wrote in my blog, I’m a realist too. Which is why we took that photo last summer because I was pretty sure it was his last summer & unfortunately I was right.
I agree, though, that a lot (but not all) runners are optimistic. And yes, prayer helps me get through hard times — and good!
I am an optimist at heart, even when things are going bad around me. It is my nature.
You have a long driveway!
It seems even longer when we’re shoveling off 2 ft of snow!
This past year, my outlook on life has changed quite a bit and I’ve turned into more of an optimist than I was before. Oh, and I also freak out when people call instead of text…it can only mean bad news, right? 😉
I’m glad I’m not the only one with a fear of phone calls! A few weeks ago my husb’s aunt accidentally called us instead of his mom and I kept waiting for her to say that someone had passed away. I think I’m certifiable ….
I am pretty optimistic and a realist at the same time.
I plan for just about everything and know that the best plans don’t always have the best ending.
Prayer surely helps me as well.
I can’t really think of anything right now that I am having a hard time being optimistic about.
I do think of you as an optimist! I am also one of those who think something has happened to my kids if they don’t answer me
Coco I loved your take on optimism and your faith. Yes, I know fully God will take care of me and get me through anything this life brings but He will do it His way and in His time. That I do tend to struggle with. Thanks for the reminder to know when to step aside and let God handle things. Have an awesome rest of the week!
Thanks! It means a lot to get positive feedback when I write about my faith. 😉
I wish I was as optimistic as you are about things, I do want to work more at looking at the bright side and remembering the bigger picture in life. Being negative, especially in situations out of your control, is such a waste!
It is a total waste – so I need to let go of worrying about my kids. As they keep telling me, they can handle it.
Soooo true that runners are usually optimists. Especially when we’re already planning our next torture just minutes after finishing a grueling race!
GREAT song, excellent reference!
I am just like you, and I do believe it’s connected to our faith. It’s good to be connected to the One who gives us Peace.
I’m not a Mom but I think that anxiety and worry gene just kicks in as soon as you become a Mom!
Eternal optimist here too. Things have a way of working out. For the better. What a cute dog!
Thanks! She’s a goofball – especially in the snow.
YES! Between us I have been looking for an in-house job for 6 months now (I have been freelancing forever) and it has been rough going. I am starting to lose some faith in myself.
Oh, I know it’s a tough market. Hopefully the timing will be right for the right job soon.
I agree. We runners are optimistic. We have to be.
I think I am too. I just go out there no matter the weather and run.
I run races no matter how slow my time is.
Getting faster at my age, I’m not so optimistic about. I’m a realist. I will try to get better but maybe I won’t. It won’t keep me from trying, though.
I’ve been getting faster over the past few years, but I’m not sure I will be able to continue that trend this year. For me, it’s still a choice. I’m not sure I want to do tempo runs and mile repeats, even if they would make me faster.
I think I’m a critical optimist. The analytical side in me wants to pick apart everything, but I always end up on the positive side! And I agree that we can always be at rest with the hope we have in Christ Jesus – even when life isn’t seemingly perfect on the outside.
Yes, I tend to be analytical too. But once I pick apart a situation I try to put it together with a positive outlook.
I so very much admire your positivity. I’ve been in a bit of a slump myself the past few days, really trying to get over myself, but it can be difficult. Thank you for your wise words helping me get back up!
I loved all your thoughts on prayer and optimism (and I”m in total agreement). I consider myself an optimist as well…although sometimes that positive attitude leads me to have high expectations, for myself and others. Not everyone will share in our enthusiasm, so we have to lead the way. 😉 Great post!!
That’s true about others. I don’t have much patience when other’s complain or make excuses.
That’s a classic scene in “Life of Brian.” Talk about optimism! I agree sometimes are easier than others to be positive. But when life is good, we have to stop and enjoy. Thanks for the reminder.
What a great way to think about shoveling the driveway, lol! I’m sure a number of people thought that way this past weekend after the blizzard, even though at times the appearance of a snow plow started to feel less and less likely.
Yes, our neighborhood listserv was blowing up when they still hadn’t plowed us Tuesday morning.
I agree that it’s pretty hard to be a pessimist as a runner. I can’t imagine that pessimism leads to any marathons or long tough runs!
I’m an optimist, but I also deal with anxiety. It tends to come over me fairly quickly, but I’ve gotten a lot better at talking myself out of it.
I think that’s the same thing that happens to me when I start worrying about my kids. I have to breathe deeply and talk myself down.
Loved the video! Optimistic people like to laugh, right? I don’t think we ever stop worrying about the kids, even when they are grown, married and have their own. We are just mamas down to the core.
Love the way you look at life. My faith is also big for me. It’s the foundation of everything for me. I know that God will open or close paths for me based upon where I should be going. It’s not always clear, but I try to look at the positive side and realize there’s a reason for everything no matter what.
It sure takes a lot of optimism for us runners to make it through our crazy long runs! 🙂
Thanks, I totally agree!
I think by and large I”m an optimist but also a realist. That sometimes can bleed into negative thoughts but I try and pray or meditate to bring me out of it. I call it life though. As long as the majority of your thoughts aren’t negative as that is when it can manifest.
I think you’re right on when you say that faith has a lot to do with being optimistic. I hadn’t thought of that, but it makes total sense. I also think most runners are optimists, too.
Thanks for linking up!
I am def with Rachael as a critical optimist! I always need to pick things apart and over-analyze, sometimes to a fault! And your dog is so cute…a boxer? I have a pit boxer mix…she is an “interesting” dog!
Yes, she’s a boxer – but a rescue, so maybe not 100%. She’s a sweetheart!
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