Redefining optimism

Whenever I am trapped in a frustrating situation, the first option I consider is not the hackneyed advice "Make the best out of the worst", but "Get out of this quickly". If extricating myself from such annoying predicaments proves impossible, only then I'll (grudgingly) try to make the best out of the worst.

People always say that your ability to make the best out of worst is indicative of the amount of determination you have. It allows you to develop perseverance and face difficulties bravely and calmly in times of desperation - it makes your life easier in those moments, it alleviates the stress you face. Determination is undeniably a good trait. I deeply admire people with determination, which is something I admittedly lack. But personally I think most of the people who truly think that making the best out of the worst is the most satisfactory solution are not genuinely courageous, but are simply trying to provide some consolation for themselves, whether they realise or admit it or not. They know they can't escape from their troubles, and thus they settle for the second best option - which is to make the best out of the worst. But they are reluctant to accept their fate and the fact that they are - at least for a period of time long enough to cause suffering - unable to save themselves from such intractable scenarios. And so they unconsciously lull themselves into a state of denial, successfully fooling themselves into believing that this is what they want - they want to remain in this situation, difficult and painful as it is, because they want to train themselves, because they wish to better themselves in terms of character, by becoming more determined; they have a choice, but they choose to stay in this quagmire, because they want to challenge themselves, so that in future if they encounter a similar problem again, they will be able to face it with ease. Yes, this is what they (want to) believe. And now the art of self-denial has become so sophisticated and convincing that "make the best out of the worst" is no longer just a second-best solution - it has become the best, a true display of courage.

Why make things so hard for yourself? If I have a choice, I would never, ever choose to be restricted by my circumstances and then tell myself, Oh, let this be a test for me, let this be a lesson to develop my sense of determination. I'd run away. I would never worry about encountering something similar in future, and tell myself that I need to start preparing myself mentally and psychologically for the unpleasant possibilities from this very minute onwards. If I really do find myself in the same position again in future, I'll definitely choose to run away if I still have a choice. I'll keep running away if I can.

No, this is not an act of cowardice. I live for this instant, and I tell myself not to worry incessantly about the ugly things that may befall me in future. This is the happiest way to live your life - to have as few responsibilities as possible. To get out of sticky circumstances as quickly as you can. This is the easiest way out, and not "make the best out of the worst". Because the second you start believing in that platitude, you'll forever be stuck in the worst situations. You'll never run away.

Running away is not something to be ashamed of. It is, in fact, a bigger act of true courage. By running away, I'll telling the world, Look, I won't be held down by your baggage - the baggage convention has imposed on me. I want to be happy and free. You can be the hero, the epitome of determination; you can despise me for running away, you can call me a coward. I don't give a damn. You think you're optimistic, but you don't know what optimism is.

I am Optimism, because while you're exhausting yourself over burdens you can abandon if you want to (if only you care less about your reputation and your heroic image), I'm flying and discovering the limits of the skies.