Optimism

... is hard work! There was a time when my friends told me I'd be voted "Most Optimistic" if there were such a thing. People at work often think of me this way too, and that's a tribute to the relationships I've built in my current position, and definitely helps me get my job done. I am good at being optimistic and positive for other people. In fact, I'm a professional. But for real, sometimes remembering to look for silver linings in life is a royal pain!

Some days its just more natural to complain about the pay cut you received than to appreciate that you have a secure job, and it is easier be frustrated that it isn't Friday yet, than to be thankful for the 8 year old who emailed you to say "thank you for teach me" today (hypothetically, of course). But when you think about it, spending your evenings dwelling on the dissertation-like-to-do list for work tomorrow instead of enjoying the 3 hours a day awake time you get with your husband in the last few months of your newlywed year is just plain stupid. Which I am not. So, I am determined to practice more of what I preach to the 5-12yr old crowd, and start kicking the pessimism and negativity in the pants*. Especially at home.

Remind me of that tomorrow after another long day in a building full of sweaty kids with no AC and a kitchen full of ants.


*I only condone figurative kicking, I swear.