Glass-Half-Empty Kinda Gal

I would describe myself as a generally pessimistic person. I tend to assume the worst and hope for the best, knowing that it is unlikely. I think that if I don't expect good things that I will save myself the disappointment of not having them turn out. Perhaps, it is related to losing my father at a young age, but it's been a long-held pattern that just seems to come naturally.

Badge of honor

To be honest, I’ve been proud of this outlook. It feels like I'm being a rational and realistic person, unlike those Pollyanna, head-in-the-clouds type of people. But recently, I’m starting to wonder if maybe it’s not so beneficial for my mental health.

But is it even possible to change? Can I increase my level of optimism? Can I change my experience based on the thoughts I allow myself to believe? Or is it too late? Is my brain already hard-wired for negativity?

Remodel Anxiety

For example, my husband and I are planning to remodel our guest bath. But the thought of making all the decisions of tile choices, fixtures, countertops, colors, brands, etc., to complete this project makes me want to run and hide away in a remote cave somewhere. I'm so afraid of making a "wrong" choice that I'm paralyzed with fear and anxiety and dreading this project every step of the way. Which is exactly why I’ve been putting it off for over 10 years.

But what if I could turn this from a stressful negative situation, into something more manageable, if not, actually enjoyable?

A New Concept

Instead of allowing the fear to overtake me, what if I focused instead on how nice it will be to have an updated attractive bathroom for my friends and family to use when they visit? How much better the new neutral shower tiles will look compared to the outdated teal tiles currently in place? Maybe then each step won’t feel so exhausting and daunting.

I’m not sure this is actually going to work. But I believe it's worth the effort. I know that there will be disappointments along the way, but I don't need to stress about them before they even occur. And when they do occur, I can manage them like a mature adult.

What would a more optimistic life even feel like? I don't know but I can't wait to find out.