It might seem that optimism or pessimism are our innate tendencies but scientists believe that they are only about 25 percent dependent on our gene pool. The rest, as proven by a study involving separated twins, is determined by our experience. With very limited control over what happens to us – where we’re born, whether we’re healthy, if our parents love us, etc., – it might not seem like excellent news. However, the key difference is in how we choose to respond to the events that we live through. And choosing to frame them in as much positivity as possible is more important than I ever suspected.
While I don’t like to call myself a pessimist (it just sounds so lame), I’m definitely a realist. I know that my chances at becoming a bestselling author are slim, but it doesn't mean that I won’t try. And I know that climate change will, sooner or later, wipe out all of humanity, but I still believe in making an effort to mitigate it. This is what I call a realistic mindset. But beyond mindset, there’s another layer.
I am – whether by nature or nurture – a rather depressive person. The difference is that depression (or anxiety, which I am also prone to) are not rooted in any logic. The sun might be shining, A. may love me, and still, when depression strikes, life is close to unbearable. Such is the power of brain chemistry. It is akin to any other illness which can’t just be willed away. Still, most somatic illnesses can be managed and mitigated through... continue reading now →
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