“People who wonder if the glass is half empty or half full miss the point. The glass is refillable.”—Unknown
I saw the above as a meme on social media. I suspect it was meant to be more social than philosophical (e.g., fill that glass, enjoy, and fill again), but it struck a nerve and inspired me on the tail of yesterday’s post.
We have all pondered the glass half empty or glass half full question. (Or maybe you have seen the meme that includes the realist?) But, let’s consider that “the glass is refillable”. Sure, it means something to the effect of “drink up and pour another”, but I want to dissect the statement.
“The glass is refillable” means:
There is more in the bottle. Joy and blessings are renewable resources.
Our current status is temporary. If we are feeling pessimistic, we need not worry. Things will get better. If we are feeling optimistic, we are right in feeling so. Things will get better.
We have a glass. As long as we have a glass to fill, something can go in it. There is opportunity.
I think it is the opportunist who recognizes that “the glass is refillable”. As I have written several times before, we have three possible responses to our circumstances. We can view them as 1) burdens (the glass is half empty), 2) challenges (the glass is half full), or opportunities (the glass is refillable). It is a matter of perspective. It is a matter of choice.
The glass half empty philosophy carries a negative attitude. It is the pessimist’s view.
The glass half full is positive, but it is limiting. It prohibits us from experiencing all the fullness and richness that life has to offer.
The glass that is refillable offers abundant and infinite enjoyment. This is the attitude of gratitude. Gratitude is the alternative to pessimism, optimism, and realism. Be thankful for what you have and where you are. Know that the glass is, indeed, “refillable”.
Carpe momento!
Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AA_glass_of_red_wine.jpg