Think on these things: A 31 day series on learning optimism
I am a pessimist. 
There. I said it. It may not make me popular, but it’s true. This “glass half full” way of going through life isn’t something I chose; some of my earliest memories and childhood decisions were couched in it. It colors my every day as an adult. Not in a paralyzing fashion, mind you, but it affects me nonetheless.
pessimism – an inclination to emphasize adverse aspects, conditions, and possibilities or to expect the worst possible outcome
If this was my natural inclination, then did God appoint it to me? Like introversion and extroversion, is there a place for pessimism within the Christian Body? I think it’s possible and will explore that idea more fully later in the series. Yet the hope that we have as Christians — because of our salvation and the certainty of heaven — should buoy and encourage even the most despondent of pessimists.
To that end, I’m embarking on a 31 day writing series called “Think on these things: Learning optimism”. Over the course of October, I’ll post some daily thoughts on this topic, inspired partly by Philippians 4:
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. — Philippians 4:8 ASV (emphasis added)
I hope that by the end of October my mind will be at least partially re-trained into a more optimistic way of thinking. Perhaps yours will be, too. Will you join me in this venture by reading and commenting regularly? Whether you’re an Eyeore like me or a perpetually sunny Tigger, we can benefit from one another’s perspective.
[Tweet “Can optimism be learned? 31 days to find out. #thinkonthesethings #write31days.”]
This post will catalog of all the posts over the 31 days (see below). Blog subscribers will receive a digest of posts once or twice a week, but Facebook fans will see the posts every day (and you can always visit the home page to see the latest).
Series Introduction (you’re here!)
Thinkin’ and Thinkin’
The Bright Side
Let’s do Lunch
Or…
Borrowed Glasses
True /tro͞o/
Necessarily Negative
On the road to happily every after
Pure /pyo͝or/
Expecting the worst
Synonyms?
Closer to Center
Honorable /ˈänərəb(ə)l/
Pollyannaism
Rooting for good
Guarded
Just /jəst/
Pffffft
Sleeping on it
In the silence
Lovely /ˈləvlē/
No need to read between the lines
List Limitations
Arduous or Awesome?
Quotable
Admirable /adm(ə)rəb(ə)l/
Upside of Down
Oops. I did it again.
Stretch Assignment