Patchwork Times by Judy Laquidara logo

Half Empty or Half Full

We’ve heard that saying . . the glass is half empty . . all our lives.  Vince borders on being a half empty kinda of guy and I’m usually a half full kind of girl.  Sometimes I’ll say to Vince “Do you see that you’re being half empty?” and he’ll often respond that it’s easy for me to be half full because I never take off my rose colored glasses.  Fine . . get yourself a pair!  Life is too short to see the bad too often.  Yes, we have to be realistic but I can hardly think of a situation that’s all bad.  Yes, I can think of a few and I don’t want to bring them up but even those, if I think about them for a few minutes,  I can mostly find something good that came of those really bad situations.

Please don’t think I’m living in la-la land and don’t have a clue what’s going on in the real world.  I do . . to some degree but I don’t dwell on the bad.  Sometimes, bad things are just going to happen . . nothing we can do to stop it.  But, then . . we have a choice.  We can let it keep us down or we can pull ourselves up, find something good . . even if it’s really small, put a smile on our face and brighten someone’s day.  You may be crying inside but I find it makes me feel better to wear a smile instead of a frown.

Yesterday on Facebook, a friend, Carol, posted this:  The worst part of a breakup is the knowing that you are not wanted, needed, or missed.

My response to her:  Or, it could mean that there’s someone out there who wants you more, needs you more and will miss you more than the current person!

You know what?  I’ve been there!  I’ve felt not wanted, not needed and not missed.  I’ve gone through breakups, being so in love and knowing Mr. Right is who I’d spend the rest of my life with, only to have my heart broken and find it wasn’t going to work and then to later realize I’m so glad it didn’t work.  Remember Garth Brooks’ song that says “Thank God for unanswered prayers!”?  I tried everything available to doctors back in the 80’s to get pregnant, only to get pregnant and then have a miscarriage.  I thought I would die.  I still have the calendar on which I wrote everything — the test was positive, first doctor’s appointment . . and then it didn’t work.  But, had I had that baby, we would not have adopted Chad and you know how much I love that young man!  Yes, I would have loved the baby I had just as much but it would not have been Chad.

Sometimes the only way we can keep on keeping on is to try to find something good in even the worst of circumstances.   Probably every one of us has experienced illness, death, financial woes, family disappointments, and worse!  It happens and we can’t control it but we can control to some degree how we react to it.  And, we can be a “half full” kind of friend to help lift the spirits of of our friends in need.

What kind of person would you rather be around?  Half full or half empty?  What kind of person are you?  (Don’t tell me . . just think about it please.)

I want to smile and find ways to be happy and help my friends to be happy.  Can you do something this weekend to cheer someone up?

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Well, unless we are looking at my cabinet of fabric – that would be half empty. If it were half full, I may not want to buy more!

    I do need have a more half full attitude though, I will start working on that. Thanks 🙂

  2. I want to be a half full kind of person; unfortunately I’m most often the opposite…. but I try and that counts for a lot too. Thanks for a great post though.

  3. Something I learned many years ago was to fake until you make it. Slap that big smile on even if it kills you. It will really help to change your outlook on life and you will get known for always having a huge smile. People would far rather be around a smiling upbeat person than someone who is always moaning and groaning.

  4. An “aways half empty” person can bring you down to the point of you becoming the same. Sometimes you just have to change the subject or pretent you didn’t hear. I love half full much better. Thanks or the thought!

    • Only if you let them and I’m not going to let someone do that to me. If you believe what you’ve just said, then shouldn’t it be true that a half full person can bring a half empty person up to the point of becoming the same?

  5. We can’t change the World…but we can change our little part of it. (even if only the tiniest part of it) I subscribe to the half-full way, sometimes I have to work hard at it though. LOL I agree with Toni; fake it until you make it!

  6. That glass may be half empty, or half full – or maybe the glass is just twice as big as it needs to be? Pour your drink into a half-size glass (wish for less, maybe) and it will be full!

    • I don’t think it has to do with the “amount” and certainly not material things. Some folks find a way to be down about any little thing. I think it’s more of a mindset and learning way of behavior.

  7. You’re being very philosophical today! My DH is one of those “glass have empty” people too and sometimes the negativity just gets old. I’d rather err on the positive side.

  9. I love reading your blog! Seems like you always make me laugh or at least smile. Thank you for that! 🙂 Linda Kay

  10. I’m a half full gal. I’ve struggled with loss in my past and something better has ALWAYS come from it. I have achieved contentment.
    Can I do something this weekend to cheer someone up? YES! I’m going to pick hubby up at the airport and bring him home (he’s been gone a week!). That should cheer up BOTH of us!

  11. Hey there, good Saturday reading! (I’m glad I’m an hour or two behind you–I usually get two from you for my morning blog check-in!) Gotta be half full, or even full!! As Ferris Bueller said, ” Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” I say it’s too short to spend it in the pits!

  12. Some people in my family are constantly worrying about what might happen in the future—tomorrow or maybe even 5 years from now. Why? They just don’t seem to understand that, “Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles. It empties today of its strength.” (Quotation found on a greeting card by Mary Engelbreit.) I’m more inclined to live for today! It’s much more fun!

  13. I have come to a point in life where I have had to avoid some of my half empty friends because they want to stay half empty. Life is just to short for that. I know everyone has down times but if that is your normal way of life and you don’t want to be happy that’s your priviledge. Just don’t bring everyone else down. I’ll help you get up if it’s a temporary down but if it’s life style that you enjoy count me out. Sorry if that sounds mean but I have joy to spread.

    My husband looks at everything as a challenge and I look at it as an opportunity so sometimes we can’t do projects together. (lol)

  14. I thought of you today – I saw your latest book at the Malvern quilt show here in rainy England.

  15. I try to be positive but sometimes it is hard….I tell myself–Smile it makes people wonder what you’ve been up to!

  16. Loved your two posts today, Judy!

    You challenge us…want to do something? Quit finding excuses, find a mentor, and go for it!

    And your sweet post about being “a cup is half-full” kind of woman! I’m lucky to be that same way! I say “lucky” because I’m convinced part of this sunshine is my genes. But we CAN influence our reactions to various situations, too. And I love your attitude–get out there and make another person smile!

    Chad and Vince are very lucky guys to have you!

    Joanna

  18. Judy, thanks for the very inspiring and mind provoking posts today. You gave us lots to think about. There was a time in my life where I was very down and unhappy. At that time all my friends were also very negative. It wasn’t until I realized I didn’t want to be with myself because I was so miserable to be around before I could change. I realized that I was the only one who could change things and I better have a smile on my face to do it. Once I did this, my whole life changed for the better. Happy and positive people attract other happy and positive people. Life is good. I guess I’m a half full person now!

  19. You have been in deep thought the past two post. I’m sending good vibes your way for the rest of the weekend to get lighter. Hope things are good. Let’s go for a margarita!!!

    • Life is great around here. I can’t imagine that it could possibly get much better but I know it will! : )

  20. Great post, Judy! I needed to read this today. Thanks for the inspiration to move forward in a positive frame of mind. Have a great weekend!

  21. I think fear and anxiety bring on the half empty glass. I understand how this brings others down with them because often the person burdened by fear and anxiety wants others to “share” their fear and anxiety or “fix” their problems for them! It is very tough to walk on either side of this road.

  22. I’m a half full person and appreciate you bringing up this topic to help others who may be running low.

    Been there, done that – my adopted baby is 43 and can’t imagine my life without her!

  23. 25 years cancer free, 27 years old son, 23 year old adopted daughter, 29 year marriage, B positive blood type, I am a half full kind of lady!!!!!! We always joke about it because of my blood type, positive is my nature!!!

  24. Well I figure if you pour a half empty glass of water into a half full glass you’ve got a full glass so you and Vince are good to go and make the perfect team! 🙂

  25. I think Cathy’s on to something. I’m O so positive she’s right 🙂

    I can’t help but agree with both your posts. I read the first one before I went to bed last night (I’m in Australia) and the second one this morning. I reflected at length on both. And you are SO right. If you want something enough, you will make changes in your life to try to reach that goal. THANKS for taking the time daily to share your thoughts. I really appreciate it and I have no doubt that the thousands of readers of your blog feel the same way (well except the ‘half empty’ ones who think you fell off the turnip truck and don’t know squat about chickens and how to raise them!!!)

  26. I’m definitely a “half-full” person. I learned this from my mother. I once worked with a person that I think was totally “empty” and that was no fun. I have had so many blessings in my life and I choose to see the good rather than the bad. Also, God does answer all prayers – sometimes it just takes longer and sometimes He says “no”. Judy, keep on writing. I notice that many times, you find humor in various situations and I enjoy reading about them – sometimes lol. It will be nice to read about that new grand baby. They grow up too fast!!

  27. My husband’s theory is that when he gets up if there is no dirt in his face and nobody is shooting at him, then it’s going to be a good day! He wakes me up in the morning singing a song he makes up as he goes along, and keeps that positive attitude almost all of the time. He’s what makes my life complete and definatly what keeps my “glass half FULL!

  28. Technically the glass is always full. Sometimes half of its contents are water and half of its contents are air.
    🙂

    But in all seriousness, I think your outlook is very healthy and serves you well!

  29. Judy, you continue to make me think and I love it. After messaging on FB last night, I did a lot of thinking about what you said and found that “my glass is completely full”. It is good stuff all the way through. The little bubbles of bad will burst and pass on, but I love the taste of everything in there. It took me awhile to see this but you are right, there is someone out there for me, better than the last and the Lord will get me there. Thank you again for being my friend.

  30. I’ve probably cheered a lot of people up on facebook – when they see the finished photo of my mystery quilt ( I call it the misery quilt) one of the side borders on the wrong way and didn’t see it until I took a photo of it finished!!! Back to reverse sewing.

  31. Judy, wonderful post. I’m a half-full person – I don’t like to be around the half-empty types – too much work. When I was still working I could tell if it was going to be a good day or a not so good day by seeing which staff were working – the half fulls or the half empties!

  32. Your last 2 posts have really got me thinking about how I live my life. It’s kick starting me into making some changes. I’m even sharing some of my ideas with dh so we can go on this journey together.

  33. You are so right Judy and I’ve been having to work on it for a while now. I learning better just lately and boy what a difference it makes.

  34. Messengers are put in our paths to remind us of God’s plan for us. I think, with this post, that you have been acting as a messenger, whether you know it or not.

    Thank you.

  35. Thanks for the post. You have a way of making me think about my attitude towards things in life. My dd#1 cancelled her engagement last week. I am really trying to see the good side. She cancelled before the wedding so no divorce. She has been making plans for the future that do not include staying in the area where she currently lives. The fact that she is making future plans I see as a very good sign. I am usually very cynical about life (maybe because I was a social worker for the state welfare department for 37 hrs). I am trying really hard to be positive about this change in our lives.

  36. Hey, Judy!
    You are SSOOOooo right… nobody wants to be around a depressed, grumpy person. (That is why I’ve worked so hard to be un-depressed. Even clinical depression is treatable, believe me, I know. But thay’s not the kind of depressed or grumpy I mean) You are right that we may not get the best or easiest lot in life, but how we deal with what we do get is so important. We do choose to look at things from one angle or another, and you are right… doesn’t mean that anything is all god or all bad: it is how we choose to perceive the situation.
    “Most people are just about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” – Mark Twain

  37. I believe in “get up, suit up, show up”.So, when I feel half empty I also “fake it till I make it” and it always works. I just have to think every day what I am thankful for and I can’t help but feel happy. You can’t be grateful and down in the dumps at the same time. I really believe in the gratitude list. At the least (when I’m down a bit), I write 5 things I’m grateful for and my spirits are lifted. Usually once I start writing, I can’t stop because I find I have so much to be grateful for.

Discover more from Patchwork Times by Judy Laquidara

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading