It used to be that I was the forever optimist. Optimistic about people, work, family, life in general. Jake is the exact opposite. He is pretty pessimistic and I always tried to balance him out. There have probably been a billion scenarios during our nine years together when I have tried to talk him into seeing things more optimistically.
I have found lately, though, that I am becoming much more pessimistic than I care to admit. See people driving crazy? Old me would think they were in a hurry to go hug a loved one; new me thinks they’re just big jerks. See people throwing a tantrum about the price of something at the grocery store? Old me would think they’re just being frugal; new me thinks they’re making a big deal about something completely stupid. The scenarios go on and on. The truth is, I do not like this new me AT ALL!! I like being optimistic. I like thinking there is some bigger, maybe better, reason why people act the way they do. I like thinking that people are generally good. Jake thinks I am naive…I think I’m just hopelessly hopeful.
So, what to do about this grumpier version of me? Today, I was driving home and I heard the newest Pearl Jam release, Just Breathe. I sat at a red light and pictured every person driving by me listening to the same song. I pictured them enjoying the song and really hearing to the lyrics. Eddie Vedder sings, I’m a lucky man to count on both hands the ones I love.
It makes me hopeful to think that people take a minute to realize how lucky they are. It makes me realize that I need to take more minutes to realize how lucky I am. Who would have thought that a song and a red light would be one more step in getting me out of my fog?
you will get there, and my family will keep you still in our prayers.
I love those songs that strike you at just the right moment and have all the words that you need to hear to know it will all be alright.
It is amazing how something so simple can have such an impact.
I know you know it…but I'm so thankful for you. Your friendship means the world to me and you've helped to make me a more optimisitc person. I love more, appreciate more and hope more because of you. Keep up the good work lady!!
I was out on vacation when you wrote this, but wanted to say this is a great post. I'm the same way as you.