Optimism is Hard to Hear

When people say “Life stinks”, people hear “I’m in a bad mood right now.” Then they nod understandingly.

When people say “Life doesn’t stink,” people hear “Everything is 100% perfect and golly gee….look at that rainbow.” Then they roll their eyes.

When people say “We’re all totally screwed and there’s nothing we can do,” people hear “There are some pretty bad things going on in our world right now.” Then they nod understandingly.

When people say “Don’t give up” people hear “Everything is going to be like puppies and cupcakes if you just sing a little happy song.” Then they roll their eyes.

In other words, people don’t hear as well when they’re confronted with the possibility that they might not have an excuse for treating hard work, personal responsibility, and an optimistic attitude as if it’s mostly pointless.