We live in a world full of Squidwards and Spongebobs. What does that mean exactly? Well, the world is made up of lots of different folks, introverts, extroverts, artists, writers, athletes, the list goes on. But for this particular post, I'm focusing on the Squidwards and the Spongebobs. In other words: Pessimists v. Optimists
I've seen a lot of press lately about one's attitude. How the "right" attitude can award you with long life and well being, and how the "wrong" attitude will take years off of your life. And you want to know what? That kind of pissed me off.
Think about it, according to that universal "they" (you know the "they" in front of all those "they say you should/shouldn't" ideas) we should all strive to be Spongebobs.
Don't get me wrong, I love Spongebob as much as the next guy. Well, okay, I probably love Spongebob more than your average adult but the thing is, try as I might, I am not constantly content.
Nothing rattles Spongebob, he sees only the best in every situation he's thrown into.
Even if that situation really is awful! Somehow, that plucky little sponge
always loves anything that comes his way.
I don't know about you, but man, I can't do that! They just received some kind of news, say a pop quiz or the declaration that their fast food joint is now open 24 hours a day and they're going to stay on the clock for all of it. Spongebob: Overjoyed. Squidward: not so much. 9 times out of 10, if I'm thrown for a loop, I'm right there on the Squidward wavelength.
But, wait, not liking bad news is bad for you!
The antidote? Optimism, apparently.
But, why do you have to be an optimist to balance out all the crap in our day-to-day lives?
Let's face it, the day-to-day crap really does get annoying!
Sometimes, people that you interact with have zero understanding where you're coming from
Some days, you look back and wonder: What have I done with my life? Will I accomplish anything in the days I have left? What if I had/had not done that thing I did/didn't do? Where would I be now?
And then there's those days, the ones where everything that can go wrong - does go wrong
Those are the days all you can do is buckle down and get through. The last thing on your mind is squeezing some lemonade out of an exhausted situation you have zero control over anyway.
Here's my question: why is optimism the answer? So Squidward doesn't face every challenge with joy and a smile, it doesn't mean he's never happy. Quite the opposite, in fact. Squidward loves a great and many things! He knows the key to a healthy life is balance. You have to make time for the good.
He loves to cook, and he loves to dance
He loves to play music, particularly his clarinet
Squidward's favorite pass time? Relaxing.
There is no where Squidward would rather be, than home sweet home.
Does that mean Squidwards are selfish? Only worried about their own good time and well being?
Au contraire: Squidward is always there for his friends when they need him (it may just take him a little longer to see the need sometimes)
Not only that, he really loves his friends, and they have a great time together
And every so often, even Squidwards can be Spongebobs - overcome with joy
Even better? Sometimes, Spongebobs can be Squidwards and know full well the meaning of "meh."
The bottom line? We've all a little Squidward and a little Spongebob. And that's okay! We live in an age of "love yourself they way you are." I'm going to embrace that. Most of the time, I'm a Squidward, and I've got nothing to be ashamed of or worried about.
Thanks for reading guys, see you next time!
