As a melancholic I am pessimistic by nature and tend to focus on the darker side of life. Almost like Marvin from Douglas Adams, 'Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy' (ok not as bad). You know in the movies when the hero is in a tight situation, there's always the one whimpering in the corner saying
'It's no use! We are all going to die!!!'
That would be me!
Come to think of it, Marvin was abandoned by the group because they found him really depressing!
The other day a customer at the restaurant asked me to read an inscription 'OPPORTUNITYISNOWHERE'
Me: "Opportunity is no where"
Customer: "No read it again!"
Me: "Opportunity is no where" (privately thinking 'Idiot! Doesn't he know I've got other customers to serve?)
Customer: ' Nooooo, read it again... slowly!'
Me, "Opportunity is"... penny drops... "NOW HERE?"
You see?
The thing is, people who complain really BUG me! But is that because they remind me of myself!
In Britain there is this culture of complaining (or moaning as we call it) and people find it all so...normal! If someone is too cheerful and optimistic, there is an automatic assumption that they are either naive or insincere. You almost feel that it is your duty to burst their bubble or expose them for what they really are! The kind of humour I like (and most Brits) is sarcastic or very satirical in nature. But if you look at it really closely - isn't that just negativity dressed up in clever words?
Life has been going great for me! Some people would count me as VERY lucky - especially fellow Ugandans! So why then is my cup still half empty?
... the debt; poor track records with relationships; a dead end job; the fact that I own only 40% of my flat...
When I should actually be thankful that at least I've got credit facilties and TIME to pay off the debt. And even though I don't have a boyfriend, I've still got very good friends. At least I have a job and a roof over my head!
Perspective!
I'm really trying this year to focus on the bright side of life! Obviously means I will be much quieter - especially when I feel the urge to complain! Bite my tongue when I come across those annoyingly optimistic people and try to join in with the cheer instead of giving my negative take on things. I will also give myself loads of pep talks in a bid to drive away those negative thoughts!
Let's see how long I can sustain it. After all old habits die hard... (and the pessimism's just made a reappearance)
I CAN DO THIS!!!!
