Are you an optimist or pessimist?

When it gets right down to it, which one are you? Are you an optimist or pessimist? Do you say the glass is half empty, half full, or has life dumped the contents all over you?

Have you ever experienced the ire of someone who just wants to stay in a bad mood? Boy, I have! I’ve tried to tell a few jokes, act silly, and even encourage them to join along. Usually, it goes horribly wrong. In fact, I’ve learned the best way to make a pessimist feel better is to allow them to get you down. They aren’t happy until they make you miserable. Misery loves company, right?

I’ve learned that not everyone loves a court jester. There is a time to be silly, and a time to show empathy. It takes emotional intelligence to know when is the right time. That is something I’m still working on.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Do you want to spread a little sunshine to your friends or are you content only when everyone around you shares your gloomy mood?

I like to think I’m an optimist, but I find myself talking doom and gloom more often than I feel comfortable with. It takes more work to be an optimist. The news doesn’t help much and people love a juicy story about a fallen celebrity more than a story about someone walking the straight and narrow.

Yes, I’d like to think I’m an optimist. But If you’re in a deep funk, I don’t think I’ll try to cheer you up. I may bless you, but I’m not going to be your clown. After all, the good book has something to say about this:

“Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other.”

Romans 12:14-16 (NLT)

Are you an optimist or pessimist? For the most part, I see hope as a very good reason to stay optimistic. However, we can all get into a funk sometimes. If you are going through a tough time, may you find someone who will shower you with empathy, yet inspires you with hope and some comfort.

Editor’s Note: I originally published this blog on October 6, 2015. I revamped and updated it for timeliness and comprehensiveness.