Samhain Publishing Ltd Weblog

Fill ‘Er Up!

Half empty. Half full.

No doubt that expression immediately brings to mind the well-known illustration of the half-filled glass. This, of course, relates to the differences between how optimists and pessimists view the same glass of water.

A few years back, thanks to a well-aimed kick-in-the-pants from a good friend, I had it pointed out to me that my outlook on life had gotten pretty darned pessimistic. At first disbelieving, it didn’t take long for me to realize she had a point. Color me surprised. I saw myself as a realist, but at some point, when I wasn’t looking, I’d been taken over by (gasp!) the dark side.

I know for a fact that wasn’t always the case. When I was younger I took after my dad who was ever the optimist. Back then being optimistic was effortless. It came so easily, so naturally. When exactly did I make the unexpected detour to the pit of despair? I don’t know. I only know I did.

I suspect it was a combination of the usual negative things that happen in all of our lives. We’ve all had bad days, bad weeks, even bad years. I know I sure did. And that’s not even taking into consideration my mother’s extremely negative viewpoint on life. For reasons I’ve never been able to suss out, she seemed to glom onto every bad thing that happened and almost gleefully point out that things were only going to get worse. Like that’s what anybody wants to hear. NOT!

Anyway, after years of these negative influences, it had obviously rubbed off and snuck up on an unsuspecting me, becoming a habitual way to think. Thank God it wasn’t a permanent condition.

These days I’m still a realist but one who looks on the bright side of things and, big surprise, I’m much happier for it. Okay, so I’m slow and it took me a while to figure that out, but better late than never, right. LOL

When looking at that proverbial glass, it’s all about perceptions. But hey, why stop at half? No reason I can think of, so count me in and fill ‘er up!

So, half empty or half full. Which is it to you? =)

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Anara Bella ~ Romance that’s sexy with a touch of sass
Ready or Not – Available now
The Trouble with Curses – September 2008
www.anarabella.com
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