On optimism. The hardest thing about being an optimist is accepting helplessness. In my head, ultimately, there is no discourse of fault or of blame. I acknowledge that at times, it is what it is and that it isn't so terrible and I do what I can That is not fatalistic (refer to "I do what I can" part) I believe true optimists don't live in pink bubbles of denial The bubble people adopt optimism as some sort of defense--and they crack all too often and all too easily I believe in infinite possibilities--but I also open my eyes to improbabilities I'm the kind of person who can sincerely hope that feathers sprout out of my back allowing me to be the odd flying bird-girl of Cairo. And I can hope this as I book a plane ticket. And I know I'm not alone in these contradictions Still, it's discouraging sometimes My new theme: I have to stop asking people to appreciate things they can't even imagine |