Optimism for Cynical Assholes

• I have always been very negative

• I found optimism and wholesomeness cringe inducing and trite

• We don't want to be openly positive for fear of judgement from others

  • "Oh, you're one of those people"

• Or for fear of rejection, for them not reciprocating

• How fucked up is it that we are scared of being judged for being happy? Of being judged for caring about someone?

• I have always had trouble expressing my affection for partners, family and friends

  • Sometimes I would feel like I should say something but I was paralyzed by fear of looking "stupid" while doing it

  • It may not look like it, but sharing your happiness and compassion takes immense courage

• ... more about having trouble opening up, anecdotes etc.

• Some people find this distasteful because they see the world as a cruel and unforgiving where you must earn your place

• Sure, whatever, the world is cruel and doesn't care about you

• Isn't that a strong argument for being positive?

• I doubt many of us will get to the end of our lives and think "I am so glad that I remained cynical the whole way, it really made it all worthwhile"

We're playing a bigger game here, it's not just about how you feel but about how you could feel.

• Let's say you're actually open to the idea of being positive, what steps can you take?

• Affirmations

• Gratitude practices

• Appreciating the little things

• Notes on how you can fight the voice in your head that tells you "this is dumb I wanna stop"