Fighting Pessimism

It just seems like it is too easy to see that the world is going to hell in a hand basket and feel helpless as it does it. And then there are also the daily challenges of just living. It seems like it can be too easy to get discouraged and give up. So I've been trying hard to make some changes in my life that allow me to appreciate more what I have. Even though I haven't been doing to the best at making those changes happen, at least I am making baby steps.

I have been focusing on trying to be more grateful- in my daily prayers and also in my attitude. I am surrounded by some amazing people and I am so blessed to have them in my life. Dave and I have a wonderful home, jobs, and a growing family. We aren't over our heads in debt and day to day living is manageable. We have good health and good attitudes. Whenever I get discouraged, or think about the things I don't have, or think about the challenges in store for Dave and I, I try to remember that we're taken care of and that we're going to be fine. I know that things will work out and I just need to remind myself.

I have been trying to read better books- and less news. First I am a news junky. I get my news from multiple sources and even have headlines emailed to me. I spend an extraordinary amount of time on "news." And I noticed a while ago that it was affecting my attitude. Everything was bad and the world was broken and everyone was getting screwed in one way or another. So I am trying to (slowly) give up reading as much news. This has benefited my life in other ways too- I don't watch the news at home anymore so I am watching less TV each evening. In addition to less "news" I have been trying to be pickier about the books I am reading. I try to find encouraging, uplifting books that I can learn something from. It helps that I don't have the budget to just go out and buy whatever book catches my eye- now I have to 1) be picky; 2) read what has been given to me; 3) go back through my bookshelf and rediscover old favorites.

I am trying to watch less TV. Less TV means many things, some of the best of which are: more time for other things and less advertising. I don't want as many things and I don't feel the need to acquire stuff as much anymore. I don't care if I have the latest gizmos, as long as I have what I need. I read a book that cited a study that showed that the amount of TV affects consumption and "wanting" things. Kids who watched more TV were more susceptible to advertising- makes sense right? This will become more important as I begin to raise my own children. I'm not going to say that my kids can't watch TV but I want to teach them to be selective. They don't have to watch everything just because they can and because it is there.

Dave and I had briefly talked about looking for and purchasing a house. When we were in this mode I would come home and look at all the things I didn't like about our condo. We are probably going to be in our condo for at least another 5 years- I needed a change of attitude or I'd go crazy. I have been trying to appreciate more what I have now and think less about how things could be. I am trying to take better care of what I have now- make things prettier and last longer and, in general, just be a better steward of my money and resources. I have learned that taking care of what I do have makes me appreciate it more and also helps me to realize I don't need a lot (and helps me be more grateful for everything I do have). I have been working on mini condo projects for the past few months and I love our home. It is perfect for us. I love Dave for having the foresight to provide us with such a wonderful home.

Finally, I have been trying to be more charitable and service oriented. And this one I am still struggling with. But I am working on it. I get home from work and the last thing I really want to do is go out and do anything. But I am hoping that I can get there. I want to be able to share the blessings that I have received with the people around me and in some ways I just want to make the world a better place- at least in my little corner. It seems stupid, but I had a revelation a few weeks ago about the nature of service. It used to be that I couldn't change the world or serve everyone that I thought I was supposed to. I was so discouraged that I didn't even try to help anyone. Then it occurred to me that I can't serve the world right now, but I can help the people that I come in contact with (and not even all of the people I come in contact with- just some of them). So I am trying to make a conscious effort to pick three people a month and then work on serving them. I figure it's a good place to start.

Finally, I have been trying to change that attitude that I can do everything. I can't. Some things are just beyond my control and accepting that will just make things easier. I need to remember to be humble and to count on other people. I am so thankful that I have a wonderful husband who makes life such much easier for me. He is such a wonderful provider and the perfect partner in life. I have been trying to do my part and let God do His- and remember Who comes first. :) One quote that I recently stumbled across puts in perspective for me: "Work like everything depends on you; Pray like everything depends on God."

And thinking ahead to the future- and the challenges that are coming- I just found this quote: "Deal with the problems as wisely as you can. Make your decisions. You may be right; you may be wrong. Hopefully you will be right because you have prayed earnestly over the matter and you have discussed it with your associates. But once these decisions are made, put them behind you and do not worry about them. Turn around, stand tall, put your head up, and look forward to the marvelous opportunities you have."