Learn to swim in a glass half full or feel like you are drowning in a glass half empty.

Recently, I’ve been reflecting on the difference between optimistic and pessimistic thinking. There are also those who call themselves “realists,” but let’s face it—most of the time, that’s just a more refined way of saying "pessimist." I have a lot of love for both pessimists and realists. They take their life experiences and the voice in their head as evidence that, if something can go wrong, it probably will. And to be fair, that’s a valid perspective—it’s tough to argue against.

In today’s world, it’s easy to turn on the TV, listen to a podcast, or scroll through social media and start to believe the world is falling apart. But when you take a moment to look around, you realize that the world is also full of full hearts and voices of reason. For every complaint you hear in the grocery store, there’s someone smiling and wishing others a good day. For every concern voiced at work, there’s a colleague being innovative, solving problems, or spreading joy with a good laugh.

If you’re looking for problems, they’re everywhere. They’re easy to find. But if you’re seeking joy, fulfillment, and community, they’re right there in front of us. The challenge is that we often don’t have the language to recognize the beauty around us.

How often do you find yourself saying what others “should” or “should not” be doing? The word "should" is a judgment—it implies that others need to act according to your expectations, even though they likely have their own reasons for doing things the way they do. Maybe the answer lies in embracing a language of acceptance instead of judgment.

How often do you hear someone say, "Yeah, but…" We all do it, right? But is a word that negates anything said before it. When we replace "but" with "yes, and," we shift from invalidating to validating, and from a mindset of resistance to one of forward-thinking.

By simply tweaking our language, we can move away from judgment and step into acceptance of the world around us. It’s a small shift, but it can move us from a ‘pessimistic” or “realist” view to one that’s more optimistic and open.

Before moving toward a journey of building resiliency and wellness it is helpful to remain optimistic and have the language we need to succeed. What is your potential? Let’s find out! Schedule a free discovery call.