Expect the worst? It's your hell...

news @ nature.com�-�Is it best to expect the worst?�-�Psychologists test long-held theory of emotional cushioning.

My father always used to tell me to not get my hopes up for things because I might be disappointed. I disagreed with him then and I disagree with him now. Luckily though, he did teach me the virtue of having my glass half full rather than half empty. I took that advice to heart and ignored the cautions about not getting my hopes up. Being an optimist is a choice. I choose half full. Sure I get disappointed ever now and then, but the difference is - I don't let it define my state of being. Religious people put their faith in God to get them through tough times. It's the same kind of thing. In tough times, I look for the silver lining. It's always there, although I admit it's really hard to find sometimes. But it's always there. I used to simplify my spiritual leanings by saying that my faith was in the power of "positive attitude." Here is a study that shows you create your own hell with a negative disposition... a hell for yourself.