The optimism-pessimism-realism spectrum
Unfixed prompt
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Optimism saves us from despair. Pessimism permits us to feel uncomfortable feelings. Realism offers a perspective grounded in the present and known facts. All three outlooks can be helpful, especially when we’re able to move fluidly between them. Or some have a more layered cake approach—optimistic realists, pessimistic realists, optimistic idealists, or pessimistic idealists. Anyone out there an idealistic pessimistic optimist? :)
One Unfixed community member, Julie, lives with a rare, neurological disorder Mal de Débarquement and finds all three to be helpful, depending on the day:
I think I tend to land in realism the most, then move to optimism to get through my days, but the timed pity parties are also essential to embrace this monster as it is.
Perhaps we all have a home base that most serves us and I don’t believe one approach is better than another. I was raised in a New Age change-your-thoughts-change-your-reality paradigm so learning some healthy pessimism has been good for me. I love nothing more than a cynical Eeyore, though optimism is never far and helps keep the fire lit within.
With what mindset do you approach adversity?
Which outlook best serves your creativity?
What figure’s mindset from history, literature or pop culture do you most relate or aspire to? Are you a Ted Lasso, a Schopenhauer, or an Edward Hopper?
Last but not least, the final episode of the Unfixed Mind airs this Sunday. If you’ve missed previous episodes, they are available now on YouTube and the Disorder Channel (Role and Amazon Fire.) Thank you to everyone who has been tuning in to these important narratives on navigating mental health today. In our last episode, Facing Tomorrow, the cast talks about the future, walking a fine balance on the optimism-pessimism-realism spectrum.
A very uplifting and thought-provoking piece, Kimberly. I feel I shift between all three depending on the circumstance, but I try to guide myself back to optimism wherever possible. I would like to meet a “idealistic pessimistic optimist?” Haha :)
Brilliant, I resonate so deeply with Lydia's quote and so appreciative how succinctly she put that. I definitely bounce around the three, which, as I was reading, I realised I'm actually very critical of myself about. So it was lovely to see that it isn't some maniacal way of being, but it's actually quite useful! Big big thank you for that. (That said, out of those three figures, I am definitely an Edward Hopper!)