How's Your Outlook?

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seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
14,940
4,581
113
#21
Hey Hoss :). I had a long, drawn-out answer for this (as I usually do :)), but after reading some of the great answers here, all I can say is that one of my best friends in high school told me, "Kim, you're not a Pessimist. You are a Realist." I would say that pretty much sums it up, though sometimes I prepare myself for The Worst of Reality.

One of the most isolating things in my own life is that I usually never feel comfortable with sharing what's really going on in my head because when I do, it generally gets dismissed, overlooked, and ignored. So, I just keep it all inside. I talk to God about it of course. But I often find being around other people very draining at times because it's all about them and I never get to share anything of what's going on with me.

People never guess it on the outside though. Last week at work we were doing inventory and (unfortunately, I'm a very circumstantial person as well) I was actually humming to myself because it was a great day--early start, no interruptions, lots accomplished. My co-workers grumbled something about me being a Disney princess living in my own little castle world. Sigh. I had another co-worker tell me once, "You just live in your own little Care Bear World." I want to scream at them that I had a suicide attempt that landed me in the hospital when I was around 26. I remember the ride to the emergency room, and I remember thinking, "Wow... I bet people still won't take me seriously."

I put in a lot of effort to try to make others around me feel comfortable and included. Another reason people tease me is because I like to give sincere compliments instead of sarcasm. I always say that people hear so much negative, I'd rather contribute to telling them something positive about themselves.

But inside? Years ago I used to go to work wearing long sleeves (which I detest) in order to hide the cuts on my arms due to extreme depression and not being able to get anyone to listen to what was going on. I guess it's kind of like... my problems aren't seen as being "problematic enough" to even register as a bleep on the radar.

I'm trying to get better. It gets hard though because I never feel like I can talk about what I'm really thinking--especially in church!! The judgement! The dismissal!! ("Just trust in Jesus... pray more... read the Bible more...") The scolding! ("You just need to have more faith!")

Sigh. I'd have to say I'm kind of a bitter pill hidden within a candy coating.
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
41,243
16,252
113
69
Tennessee
#22
Sigh. I'd have to say I'm kind of a bitter pill hidden within a candy coating.
There is absolutely nothing bitter about you. You are a very mature, well balanced individual with the love of the Lord in your heart. Oh, the Disney princess reference is a very good thing also. If one was to judge the book by the cover they would discover that once having read your story that you are a very good read as well.
 

Lynx

Folksy yet erudite
Aug 13, 2014
24,799
8,103
113
#23
"But inside? Years ago I used to go to work wearing long sleeves (which I detest) in order to hide the cuts on my arms due to extreme depression and not being able to get anyone to listen to what was going on. I guess it's kind of like... my problems aren't seen as being "problematic enough" to even register as a bleep on the radar."

Perhaps you hide it TOO well. It's not that your problems aren't bad enough to register, it's just that they only see the upbeat surface.

"I'm trying to get better. It gets hard though because I never feel like I can talk about what I'm really thinking--especially in church!! The judgement! The dismissal!! ("Just trust in Jesus... pray more... read the Bible more...") The scolding! ("You just need to have more faith!")"

Hmm... sounds like a lot of the "advice" I see on christian forums. I usually skim over responses like that and move on to advice from people who have been where I am.
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
41,243
16,252
113
69
Tennessee
#24
I always called my self a pessimistic optimist....contradictory terms I know... However, being orphaned by the age of 12 I determined I did not want people to feel sorry for me so I took on this personality of humor to cover the sadness hiding deep inside.

I knew the reality of life could really suck in a word, but I always had hope for a better tomorrow which turn into today's... If you'd ask people around me they would say I am happy as my favorite saying is You carry your happiness with you, meaning it is a choice. I generally leave a trail of laughter and have for most of my life as it is so much more fun to laugh than it is to cry.

When I hit 40 my spirit was officially broken and I did attempt suicide and with medical/mental health professionals and Zoloft learned to not be broken... Wish I could say I had Jesus then but didn't realize that He was there at the time. He came later or I turned and found Him again later. I see now that Jesus is the one who saved me from myself at that time and I am grateful for the extra years of life I have had since 40 which is almost most 20 of them now.

With Jesus in my life the laughter came back....so I am still the pessimistic optimist and I think with that half full glass I'd like another round please because I also have the music in me......lol.......see post #15
Please set up another round for our musical enjoyment. You have a song in your heart my darling Darlene and you sing it for me each day. The love in your heart for the Lord and me has me becoming musically inclined for both you and the Lord.
 
A

arwen-undomiel

Guest
#25
Sunny with 40% chance of showers
 
Sep 6, 2013
4,430
117
63
#26
I tend to have a positive outlook on life. Rarely depressed. Can usually find something to get excited about in any situation.

I do whine a lot when I'm sick though. :p
 
F

falcon24

Guest
#27
Good topic. I'm new here and have always considered myself positive. But since i started seeking god's heart, will, and wisdom over a year ago, even though battles and tribulations have been tougher, i would say even more so now. All things work for the good to those that love the lord and are called according to his purpose.
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
8,696
113
#28
When I was a child, I was a real mess. I was afraid of everything and was a nervous wreck. God pulled me out of the miry clay and He set my feet on the rock to stay. I don't even want to know where I'd be without Him. I am definitely a positive person now. When we've got Jesus, we've got it made! Praise God!
 
E

elietita

Guest
#29
hi I loved your comment, you encourage me to believe more in Jesus
 

JesusLives

Senior Member
Oct 11, 2013
14,551
2,171
113
#30
Hey Hoss :). I had a long, drawn-out answer for this (as I usually do :)), but after reading some of the great answers here, all I can say is that one of my best friends in high school told me, "Kim, you're not a Pessimist. You are a Realist." I would say that pretty much sums it up, though sometimes I prepare myself for The Worst of Reality.

One of the most isolating things in my own life is that I usually never feel comfortable with sharing what's really going on in my head because when I do, it generally gets dismissed, overlooked, and ignored. So, I just keep it all inside. I talk to God about it of course. But I often find being around other people very draining at times because it's all about them and I never get to share anything of what's going on with me.

People never guess it on the outside though. Last week at work we were doing inventory and (unfortunately, I'm a very circumstantial person as well) I was actually humming to myself because it was a great day--early start, no interruptions, lots accomplished. My co-workers grumbled something about me being a Disney princess living in my own little castle world. Sigh. I had another co-worker tell me once, "You just live in your own little Care Bear World." I want to scream at them that I had a suicide attempt that landed me in the hospital when I was around 26. I remember the ride to the emergency room, and I remember thinking, "Wow... I bet people still won't take me seriously."

I put in a lot of effort to try to make others around me feel comfortable and included. Another reason people tease me is because I like to give sincere compliments instead of sarcasm. I always say that people hear so much negative, I'd rather contribute to telling them something positive about themselves.

But inside? Years ago I used to go to work wearing long sleeves (which I detest) in order to hide the cuts on my arms due to extreme depression and not being able to get anyone to listen to what was going on. I guess it's kind of like... my problems aren't seen as being "problematic enough" to even register as a bleep on the radar.

I'm trying to get better. It gets hard though because I never feel like I can talk about what I'm really thinking--especially in church!! The judgement! The dismissal!! ("Just trust in Jesus... pray more... read the Bible more...") The scolding! ("You just need to have more faith!")

Sigh. I'd have to say I'm kind of a bitter pill hidden within a candy coating.
Having a suicide attempt myself and lived to tell about it 20 years later my PM box is always open to listen to anything you would want to share and I will listen and take you seriously. I joke around a lot, as it is my way to hide sadness. But this Blond can listen and has a serious side to. Anytime open invitation.
 
K

kenthomas27

Guest
#31
When I was younger I was like a squirrel. Very much in the moment. Like in HS if my teacher said "ken, have you thought about your future at all?" I'd say "how can I think about something that's not even here yet?" "dude, you're supposed to be a teacher". Now though, I think more future stuff. Like, tomorrow afternoon they're having a happy hour at Dunkin Donuts where everythings half off.

I'm feeling pretty good about that. So I guess I have a good outlook.
 
H

Ho11y

Guest
#32
When I was younger I was like a squirrel. Very much in the moment. Like in HS if my teacher said "ken, have you thought about your future at all?" I'd say "how can I think about something that's not even here yet?" "dude, you're supposed to be a teacher". Now though, I think more future stuff. Like, tomorrow afternoon they're having a happy hour at Dunkin Donuts where everythings half off.

I'm feeling pretty good about that. So I guess I have a good outlook.
Dunkin Donuts happy hour!?!?!

 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
41,243
16,252
113
69
Tennessee
#33
When I was younger I was like a squirrel. Very much in the moment. Like in HS if my teacher said "ken, have you thought about your future at all?" I'd say "how can I think about something that's not even here yet?" "dude, you're supposed to be a teacher". Now though, I think more future stuff. Like, tomorrow afternoon they're having a happy hour at Dunkin Donuts where everythings half off.

I'm feeling pretty good about that. So I guess I have a good outlook.
Get a variety box of Munchkins to go with your double espresso. America runs on Dunkin'.
 
Aug 2, 2009
24,574
4,262
113
#34
My outlook sucks! (and that is not a joke)


Next question..
 
Aug 2, 2009
24,574
4,262
113
#36
Why??!!

Would you like an appointment with our resident clowns to cheer you up? :D
Lots of reasons.. nothing new though. Thank you for asking, Chris. :) And I'll pass on the clowns. I always found them kind of creepy.
 

Roh_Chris

Senior Member
Jun 15, 2014
4,728
58
48
#37
Lots of reasons.. nothing new though. Thank you for asking, Chris. :) And I'll pass on the clowns. I always found them kind of creepy.
Okay brother. If you need someone to talk to, just ping me. :)

P.S. I am slightly crazy.
 
Mar 21, 2011
1,515
16
0
#38
Bro my Outlook is the latest version. I have Microsoft 365 subscription.

But seriously I'm accused of negativity because I had a hard life.

But I usually find the ones who worship at the altar of Positive thinking don't have much time left over for God's altar.

Watching the Passion of the Christ doesn't change my view of the world much. It was similar when I read the Gospels as a kid. It just reminded me how bad regular humans are, especially the Conservative religious types (as shown by the various Jewish sects in the Gospels).