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But, IMHO, being pessimistic also means that one puts in less heart and effort in life. This may prevent one from realising his/her potential, or even miss out on something better in the process.

Optimism, to me, is also a form of self-protection -- being able to keep one's head up high in the face of adversity and disappointment.

I do think that pessimism and disappointments are one of the devil's most powerful and commonly-employed tools. They make people complain, wallow in self-pity and turn their focus away from God to themselves and to the poor state they're in.

I'm thankful that as children of God, we can rest in the fact that there's a supreme authority looking after us. That no matter what happens, positive or negative, He has promised that it's all for the betterment of ourselves.

It's up to us to choose how we want to perform in life. But I believe that God wants the best for us, so we should put in the best we have for ourselves and for His Glory. (:

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I can't remember what it is that struck me which made me think about pessimism that day. But I do know that regardless of whether it's right or wrong, it IS something that people consciously or unconsciously do to prevent disappointment. Often because they've had many bad experiences before, or because of family background. It IS a form of self-protection some people build for themselves, though most of the time I'd say it's not sth ppl do consciously. Some people are not even aware they're doing it! But I agree that there is a choice. I don't think people really CHOOSE to be pessimistic on purpose, but I do agree that we can choose NOT to be if we realise there's a tendency.

Realise also that everyone has a different life story. Different people come with different baggages from childhood, family upbringing and experiences. We're all such complicated creatures! Everyone's choices from the past contribute to who they are presently. Hence, because of all these things, different people have different tendencies to particular weaknesses. And perhaps being pessimism is a result from a myriad of these things.

I'm not giving pessimism an excuse, but things are not as simple and ideal as we often envisage them to be. There are many people who have not been as blessed and fortunate in circumstances. Not everyone has had a beautiful childhood nor loving and godly parents who have made the time and effort to instil optimism in them (whether by example or by intention).

So while it is not an excuse to wallow in self-pity as you say, we have to remember that the choice to not be pessimistic in life is easier for some than it is for others. Everyone has their own individual battles to fight. So all we can do as brothers and sisters-in-Christ is to patiently encourage those who find it harder to believe in the good that God has in store for us because of what they have gone through so far. I can think of one such person right now! hmmm...

When u mentioned optimism, I suddenly remember that even that must be taken in moderation and in the right context. I am suddenly reminded of those who are over-optimistic in that they are so eager to claim promises from God over this and that...it borders on Health and Wealth. This overwhelming belief that as long as you believe God, your illnesses will all miraculously disappear and your poverty will only last but a moment because God will definitely bless you in the way you expect. I'm not sure if u can even call that optimism, its more like delusion! ok..enough with my ramblings...i'm not even sure what my point is.....teeheehee...

I can't remember what it is that struck me which made me think about pessimism that day. But I do know that regardless of whether it's right or wrong, it IS something that people consciously or unconsciously do to prevent disappointment. Often because they've had many bad experiences before, or because of family background. It IS a form of self-protection some people build for themselves, though most of the time I'd say it's not sth ppl do consciously. Some people are not even aware they're doing it! But I agree that there is a choice. I don't think people really CHOOSE to be pessimistic on purpose, but I do agree that we can choose NOT to be if we realise there's a tendency.

Realise also that everyone has a different life story. Different people come with different baggages from childhood, family upbringing and experiences. We're all such complicated creatures! Everyone's choices from the past contribute to who they are presently. Hence, because of all these things, different people have different tendencies to particular weaknesses. And perhaps pessimism is a result of a myriad of these things.

I'm not giving pessimism an excuse, but things are not as simple and ideal as we often envisage them to be. There are many people who have not been as blessed and fortunate in circumstances. Not everyone has had a beautiful childhood nor loving and godly parents who have made the time and effort to instil optimism in them (whether by example or by intention).

So while it is not an excuse to wallow in self-pity as you say, we have to remember that the choice to not be pessimistic in life is easier for some than it is for others. Everyone has their own individual battles to fight. So all we can do as brothers and sisters-in-Christ is to patiently encourage those who find it harder to believe in the good that God has in store for us because of what they have gone through so far. I can think of one such person right now! hmmm...

When u mentioned optimism, I suddenly remember that even that must be taken in moderation and in the right context. I am suddenly reminded of those who are over-optimistic in that they are so eager to claim promises from God over this and that...it borders on Health and Wealth. This overwhelming belief that as long as you believe God, your illnesses will all miraculously disappear and your poverty will only last but a moment because God will definitely bless you in the way you expect. I'm not sure if u can even call that optimism, its more like delusion! ok..enough with my ramblings...i'm not even sure what my point is.....teeheehee...

Yep I get what you mean :) No matter what, it does happen... I have felt that way before and do feel that way too some times.

I thought not so much that 'hey yes I'll get well', but that 'all things work together for the good of those who love Him' ;) Still, yes. Overly optimistic is not a good thing too. There has to be a balance of being realistic and being confident in circumstances.


How'd your observation go? A friend of mine found your friend Karen's blog. It made her feel like having kids, hehe.

guess what? Karen's not a friend! found her website from M. enjoy reading her blog so just put the link up. she makes me wanna have kids too lor. But then i dun think i'd be such a fun mum...

my lesson ob went ok on my end, but still haven heard from my hod...so dunno what they thought about it yet...*gulp*