Are Optimists Optimistic?

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 Truth is whatever you want it to be.   I think like a theologian/philosopher. Do optimists ever get disappointed?  If I had more stress, I would die from it.  But the question would be:  What if one is always disappointed?  First of all, while this isn't about happiness, pessimists are never happy.  They always expect the worst.  But what is the worst?  I've been writing tobacco reviews and was going to write another this morning.  I guess I could say I've survived the worst that can happen.  Nothing has killed me yet.  But if you ask yourself what IS the worst, chances are you'll survive it.  

I talked to my wife the other day about this.  Whatever the worst is, I'll survive it, but dwelling on the worst will shorten your life.  Fear of the worst is an unnecessary fear.  And if the worst doesn't happen are you just going to say it will?  Then what?  The worst thing is dread.  Dread is a killer.  But optimism is about life itself.  Optimism is the path to happiness.  It's not bliss or ignoring the obvious.  But dread kills.  Dread is a kind of stress that can kill a person.  

So, is life real, or do we live in a kind of Matrix?  There are forces beyond our control.  But this is where the prayer of St. Francis applies to everyone.  We accept that which we cannot change.  And an optimist says they can change what they are able to change.  Life has its teaching moments.  It literally can take years to understand what St. Francis is saying.  We learn from our mistakes and if we don't we're not too bright.  So are we bright or just plain dumb?

I give more credit to people than they deserve.  But that is the optimist in me.  I will say very few are that dumb.  The optimist in me says there are very few people going to hell for being too dumb.  So, I give some credit to humanity as a whole.  That IS optimism.  It's just more difficult to be an optimist in today's world.  But what is the alternative?  Pessimism and misery.  That is the path to unhappiness.  That is the path to self destruction.  There are those who can't be happy without alcohol or drugs.  

Happiness is a choice that begins with optimism.  I could say alcohol and drugs have destroyed society.  Maybe, but have they destroyed you?  Chances are they haven't.  And comparing yourself to others or looking for greener pastures is not the path to happiness.  Joy is found in little things and happiness comes from just being alive.  If you're reading this you aren't dead and there is hope for you yet.  Life and living is THE Greatest hope we have.

I'm optimistic because what is the alternative?  Maybe I need more stress.  Maybe I need more fear.  Maybe I need more Dread.  Or maybe I've had enough of all that.  None of it killed me.  So, what is my alternative than to be an optimist?  I'm smoking my Sherlock Holmes pipe this morning with some Super Value Ultra pipe tobacco.  Thank you for your time and Peace to each one of you.

Dave

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