Half Full? | Pad Patter 3/10

[jk703]

So, I'm a Positive Polly. Or a Pollyanna! I strive to see the good in everything. The silver lining, just something that is positive. I get it from my Grandmother, as she is the same way. Things she used to say, now come out of my mouth, and I'm giggling like a loon.

Are you a Negative Nelly? Happy Go Lucky? Positive Pam? Or... it doesn't matter, the glass is refillable? Partial Pessimist? Obligated Optimist?

How do you handle others that are opposite you? That would be a Negative Nelly for me - those who would rather focus on the bad and can't see the positive. I think for me, I try to lift people up, and be supportive. Then at times, that isn't possible, so I just get quiet, listen and be a silent supporter. I try, but at times, I know I need to pull back, as it will bring me down. I come from "if you don't have something nice to say, then keep your mouth shut." I do this for negative things in general.

There are so many great memes out there!

This made me giggle too:

 

[Karen]

I am definitely a glass half full type of person. I think it's mostly because my Mom is the opposite and I see how unhappy that attitude can make a person. So I think I started early on in life to try to look for the positive spin in all situations. When someone is having a bad attitude around me I like to take it as a "challenge" to try to turn that frown upside down. If I'm around people who have a constant negative attitude, I definitely find myself distancing myself from them. I don't want to be drug down too.

 

[gonewiththewind]

I'm a positive person because I choose to be, not because it's a natural inclination. In fact, I am often negative, doubting, and critical. It's a struggle that I continue to wage in my inner life. There are so many Bible verses about controlling the mind and the tongue that have been instrumental in me being able to overcome my negative thoughts and words. One of my favorite verses about is this (and it's in my bathroom so I read it every single day):

Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. - Philippians 4:8-9​

And of course there are lots of quotes from authors and influential people that I love as well that have helped and continue to help me be positive:

Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year. - Ralph Waldo Emerson​

The way to happiness: Keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry. Live simply, expect little, give much. Scatter sunshine, forget self, think of others. Try this for a week and you will be surprised. - Norman Vincent Peale​

It's your outlook on life that counts. If you take yourself lightly and don't take yourself too seriously, pretty soon you can find the humor in our everyday lives. And sometimes it can be a lifesaver. - Betty White​

Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier. - Colin Powell

Wondrous is the strength of cheerfulness, and its power of endurance - the cheerful man will do more in the same time, will do it; better, will preserve it longer, than the sad or sullen. - Thomas Carlyle

The sun himself is weak when he first rises, and gathers strength and courage as the day gets on. - Charles Dickens​

How do you handle others that are opposite you? I usually shy away from those who are negative constantly. We all have negativity within us, but it's difficult for me to be around someone who is negative 24/7 while I'm trying to find the good in whatever is happening in my life or in the world.

 

[Cherylndesigns]

I fall into the realist category. My husband will tell you I'm a pessimist, but I'm really not. He's an optimist and we clash quite often, in a mostly fun way.

 

[IntenseMagic]

I'm pretty positive and upbeat most of the time. Definitely a glass half full kind of person But, I'm also a realist when it comes to some things. I love to be over the top upbeat and positive when I'm around people who aren't , probably to the point of being annoyingly so.

 

[michelepixels]

I'm definitely an optimist. But the last several years have toned that down, both from family things as well as current events. I'm still good at seeing silver linings. I just had to learn that platitudes do not help people who are depressed. They need to be listened to and validated.

 

[weaselwatchr]

I used to be a pretty positive person. I guess now I am a realist. But sometimes I am a negative Nelly. It really just depends on the situation. I do try to see the positive in others although that doesn’t always work out for me. But I try!!! If someone is being negative I do try to bring them into a more positive mood.

 

[jaye]

I'm a realist with a tendency toward pessimist. I admire all the optimists out there. I have found for me that whenever I start thinking positive and taking those steps, something comes along and kicks me in the teeth. . . .then it hurts even more.

 

[Scrapping with Liz]

I'm probably a cross between an optimist and a realist. I usually face things with a realistic attitude...like what do we have to do to get this done, what might happen (good or bad), and let's make the best decision...and let's be happy about it! Because, realistically, how does being negative help us?

Okay, not sure if all that makes sense. LOL.