Is the glass half empty, or half full?

Monthly newsletter March 2020

 

What we perceive, we believe.
The classic example is the question: Is the glass half empty, or half full?

Which way do you choose to see the glass – and life?

Optimists will usually say the glass is half-full, whereas pessimists will usually point out that it’s half-empty. The optimist is hopeful, searching for the good even in a less-than-ideal situation. The pessimist, on the other hand, will tend to search for and find the dark cloud behind every silver lining, and claim they are merely being realistic.
What is the best approach?

We all face obstacles. However, how we respond to those obstacles can make all the difference in the world. Optimists tend to see obstacles as opportunities. As a result, optimists will take actions that lead to positive results. Pessimists, meanwhile, can be easily blocked by obstacles, and fail to take action that could minimise or prevent negative results.

Do you find yourself focusing on the empty part of the glass/life? The empty part consists of things which are not in our lives anymore (the past) or not yet in our lives (the future). Many of us focus on the emptiness, living constantly between the past and future – between regret and worry –  trying to fill in the emptiness, and losing connection with the present moment and the joy it can bring into our lives.

But here’s the truth: whether you consider the glass half empty or half full, in the world we live in, both perspectives would be wrong. By the laws of physics – and life – your glass is completely full. Between the top of the water and the top of the glass, in the part that we would normally classify as empty, there is air.

Practice optimism. Even if you’re predisposed, via genetics or upbringing, to look at the world pessimistically, you can shift your perception. It’s very practical, in fact:

We don’t need to focus on filling the emptiness. Let us focus on fullness, on everything vital and abundant that is present in our life, on our talents and qualities. Let’s be grateful for every gift….