The Glass Is Half Full, All The Time

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

I am an optimistic person, most of the time. I have to tell you it’s not easy trying to find the silver lining to every dark cloud.

A study published in the national Academy of Science found that optimistic people live 11–15% longer lives on average. That’s not the only reason to be optimistic, it’s also been associated with better sleep and lower levels of cardiovascular disease. And optimistic people stay happier.

Isn’t that enough reason to want to be more optimistic?

Pessimistic people tend to use negativity as a defense mechanism. The thought is, if you keep your expectations low you won’t be disappointed when things don’t work out. I can see how this might work for a short time but eventually the negativity is going to wear on the people around you, and you will probably end up alone.

Being optimistic is so much better. Not only do you have health benefits but studies show that optimists tend to do better in every avenue of life. They get depressed less often, make more money, and have happier marriages.

Pessimists tend to ruin a good time, have trouble making friends and die sooner. They also have a higher risk of developing dementia. Doesn’t that make you want to be more optimistic?