Have you ever been around someone who is always pessimistic?  They find the worst in every situation.  They are overly critical.  They rarely have anything positive or uplifting to say.  We were made to be optimistic—to be hopeful and see the good in situations.  Being around people who are always pessimistic drains your spirit.  It causes you to have to sift through the negativity to keep your positivism in check.

Winston Churchill said, “a pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”

Optimism has many benefits according to an article published on www.pursuit-of-happiness.org.  “Optimism has been proven to improve the immune system, prevent chronic disease, and help people cope with unfortunate news. Gratitude is associated with optimism and has been determined that grateful people are happier, receive more social support, are less stressed, and are less depressed.”  I believe most people want to have less stress in their lives and live a longer, healthier life.  Optimism doesn’t mean you live in a bubble and life doesn’t dish you some tough blows at time.  However, it does mean that you handle those times with hope and belief that it’s all working out for your good.  It means you find God in the midst of the situation and relax knowing He has your back.  It’s in His control.

Next time, you find yourself around a pessimist, gently encourage them to look at situations differently.  Possibly you can point out the good in the situation.  If you find yourself being the pessimist, change your thinking and decide to see the good in a situation.  See the glass as half full.  “Choose to see the opportunity in every difficulty…” and watch yourself become healthier and less stressed.

~Coletta Jones Patterson

 *For more inspiration on your journey, check out my latest book, “Developing Faith that Wins: Stories of My Journey” available on http://www.amazon.com.