The Trouble with Being an Optimist

 Hello friends:

If you are new to my blog, welcome.  

Question:  What do you see?  A weed or wish?

I'm sure those who know me, even it you only do through reading my posts, can guess I am an optimist.  As long as I can remember; even being called "Little Miss Sunshine" from the neighbor lady and several grade school teachers.  

I have to say, I do have a "knack" for finding the "silver lining."

The problem with that, I have come to realize the older I get, is that optimists are often misunderstood.  

"Oh Jacky, my dog died" - "I'm sorry, but you gave it a good life."

"My mother had a stroke" - "Mine did too, enjoy her while she is still here." 

"I am tired of walking" - "I'm am too, but we are almost there."

Do you see it?  

My coping and dealing with trials lets call them, is finding the good in whatever it is.  I mean, I can't help myself at times, because I don't want to go down a path of sadness, it leads no where.  I've been surrounded by family, even faced it myself, that suffer from depression.  I watched, witnessed and wondered why they felt such deep sadness.  

Don't get me wrong here, I've had trials that have knocked me on my knees (in prayer).  I've been down too.  I just seem to find a way out - that "silver lining."  Because of this, optimists like myself, can come across as "unsympathetic."  It's not that I don't recognize other's trauma or trials, I do.  I feel for them.  I guess, I just jump to something positive to try to help them.  

Recently, I read an article about my personality type (enneagram 7) and it shared things that we 7's do that we could improve on.  One was, before we turn on the "bright side," we take time to acknowledge the pain or dismay with what our friend is telling us.  We, 7's, want to help....sometimes, helping is just listening and giving advice later.

I've tried to do this more, since becoming aware of it in myself.  I believe each feeling, emotion deserves a bit of reflection.  If someone tells me their "bad news" now, I try to listen, acknowledge and be sympathetic.  But, mark my words if after a awhile, one is still down in the dumps, "Little Miss Sunshine" will be on her way sharing unwanted advice.....ahahaha.  I only do this out of love.  Truly! 

If you happen to be an optimist too, or know one, please keep this post in your thoughts.  Don't judge the optimists too harshly, they are just coping with what you told them, the best they know how.  We don't want your thinking we belittle the situation, we are just trying to help you.

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.