I tend to be an optimist, even when I think the world is about to collapse. Things can always get better because we control our own destinies, thoughts, actions, and reactions. External sources will create obstacles for us, but we are enabled with the God-given ability to take a gross negative and turn it into a net positive.
"How is that possible," you might wonder? Take everything as a gift--the good, the bad, and the ugly. Piss poor people will be piss poor people; let them wallow in their petulance. Don't let someone else live rent free in your mind, and shrug off events for which you have no control.
Most days I walk outside and stare at this little piece of earth the good Lord has blessed us with...and smile. The blue sky, the herons flying low over the lake behind our house, the sound of cicadas singing their strange song, our home, our children, our (mine and Cathy's) relationship...we have more than we deserve.
How could I possibly walk around like the weight of the world is pushing me through its crust? Have there been challenges in my life of late? Sure! Will I allow those challenges to keep me down and have me blaming someone else for my ills? No way.
The Debbie Downers so many of us know are miserable people, and I've elected to evict those Downers around me from my life--after all, I am my own landlord! Hey man, seriously...why should I have to listen to or read someone's ten minute soliloquy about how everyone else is keeping them down or causing angst in their life? Get a grip and take control, bro!
Do you ever stop and consider the many blessings that have been bestowed upon you, or do you have nothing but jealousy in your heart for those who are successful? If that's you then you need to press your life re-set button.
Look, I'm not saying there aren't those who struggle, but even when I was struggling I wasn't miserable. Planning and plotting to make things better was always at the forefront of my mind. I suggest you do the same and don't let those who think they are better than you, smarter than you, richer than you, or more spiritual than you have a say in how you feel. Those people aren't worth your time.
Be well and live happy!
