Is your glass half-empty or half-full?

Some people are pessimist. They walk through life and look at it through a glass "half-empty” perspective. They display their inner anger and suffering by spewing words that can hurt the feelings of other people. Sometime ago, I had the chance to meet a young man who was criticizing the looks and character of his friends and relatives. Hearing what he said made me wonder why he was such an “emotional vampire.”  I told myself that maybe he had a bad experience that made him a bitter person. Then, sometime later, his relative told me that he had a broken marriage. His wife left him because she could not afford to live with him because of his character.

No matter what happened or whatever experiences we have had in life, it is good for our soul to look at life in a glass "half-full” perspective. Because if our inner being is immersed in negative emotions, we can never attain joy and happiness in this world. Instead, the negative feelings inside us will grow stronger and stronger in every moment of our lives, thereby, making us unhappy and remorseful in dealing with life.

Whereas, when we look at life in a  glass “half-full” perspective, life can be rosy and positive, and we become a happy person.

According to Margaret Warrell of  “Forbes website,” seeing life “half-full” (optimism)  not only makes you happy, but it also makes you healthier and wealthier. Expecting good things to happen will lead to taking actions that produce positive results.

If you are one of those who are on the edge of pessimism looking life in a “half-empty” glass, Warrell  suggested the following strategies to fill your cup with optimism:

Set your intention. Before you step out of bed, take one minute to set your intention for the day coming up with one word with positive attitude. Like, when you are in a rut looking for a job, say to yourself confidently that you will find one.

Reframe a problem into an opportunity. You can’t solve your problems by complaining about them. But you can solve by reframing them so that you can approach them from a new angle. Where pessimists see problems, optimists find opportunities. If you change the way you look at your problems, your problems change and transform into a  rich array of opportunities to grow, learn and discover resources you never knew you had!

Avoid energy drainers. Optimism is contagious. So too  is pessimism.  If you are struggling to feel more positive, don’t spend your time hanging out with “emotional vampires” – those people who suck the life out of you with their complaints and commentary about everything that is wrong with both the world and the people in it. Choose your company wisely and limit the time you spend with people who don’t fill your cup of optimism and can “undo” self-confidence.

Lighten up. Why is it that comedians tend to live very long lives? It’s because they have become so masterful  at finding humor in even the most unfunny situations.  Humor is a highly effective antidote to almost every ailment, anxiety, or adversity.  Watch a funny movie or spend time with a friend who really makes you laugh is literally medicinal.