Dichotomies are so Passe

So which is it? Half empty? Or half full? If you say "half empty" you're a pessimist. If you say "half full" you're an optimist. But there is a third option to this dichotomy, and that is called the realist. . . .the person who can look at this glass and say, "Well, it's half empty and  half full, both at the same time."

That's me. I tend to see situations in terms of contingencies based on all possibilities, or at least as many possibilities that I can identify. I don't like surprises (so no surprise birthday parties, please...lol).

My friend Gayle thinks I'm thinking negatively if I consider the possibility that my request may be denied. She tells me to bend my entire thought on the outcome that I want, and if I do that, then it will manifest the way I want it to be. The universe responds to what you focus on, she will tell me. While I appreciate this kind of optimism, to me it's magical thinking and not realistic, because I know that it is actually possible that even though there is no legal basis for denying my request, they may still do so. That doesn't make me a pessimist. . . .it makes me a realist.

I can hope for the best, but I'm still going to prepare for the worst.

As a realist, I anticipate all possible outcomes (as many that can be anticipated, both positive and negative, both wanted and unwanted), because I need to know that I have a plan in place for whatever decision is made, regardless of which path is laid before me. I really don't like surprises. . . .I tend to be much more reactive to surprises than what I have planned for and anticipated. Also, if I can anticipate the possible contingencies, then I don't feel so anxious about a given situation, so it's all about anxiety management. . . .lol.

However, I also recognize that I create a LOT of extra work for myself. By anticipating multiple outcomes, and having contingency plans in place for each possibility, I hold all of these ideas as potential outcomes, too. I think this is why I slide between life plans so easily. . . .lol. In a moment of reactivity I already have several potential plans worked up, so I can change gears quickly. . . .very often too quickly, I'm afraid. Another reason why I enjoy living a solo life. . . .lol. Changing gears like this doesn't usually settle well with another person who's involved in the plans. . . .lol.

So this week I am anticipating several life altering outcomes of this meeting on Friday. But I most definitely have contingency plans for each one, of course, because I'm a realist. . . .so I may be hoping for the best, but I have definitely prepared for the worst :)