Embracing the Glass Half Full Mentality: Finding Joy and Contentment in Life

In life's journey, we often encounter obstacles, setbacks, and challenges that threaten to overshadow the beauty and joy around us. It's easy to become ensnared in negativity, focusing on what goes wrong rather than appreciating the blessings and opportunities that come our way. However, there is immense power in adopting a "glass half full" mentality—a mindset that sees the good in every situation, no matter how dire it may seem. For me, this shift has been truly life-changing.

Being a glass half full person isn't about denying the existence of problems or pretending that everything is perfect. Instead, it's about choosing to shift our perspective and focus on the positive aspects of life, regardless of their size. It's about finding gratitude in chaos, resilience in adversity, and joy in the simplest of moments.

During the global upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, my husband Nick and I found ourselves navigating the depths of fertility struggles. For years, we had been trying to conceive, enduring multiple miscarriages, numerous rounds of IVF treatments, and even surgery. It was undeniably one of the darkest periods of my life, fraught with uncertainty, heartache, and despair.

Amidst the storm, however, I discovered a lifeline in creativity. Immersing myself in painting, writing, and video editing became a sanctuary—a refuge where I could escape the turmoil of reality and tap into a realm of limitless possibilities. The practice of creative flow not only provided solace but proved profoundly healing. I delved into painting and drawing, and was even part of an art exhibition that sold out. Additionally, I raised money for multiple charities and took the leap of starting a YouTube channel with Nick called "Vinceventuring," centered around our love for travel, nature, and adventure.

It was during this period that I also made a conscious decision to cultivate gratitude daily. Despite the overwhelming challenges we faced, I resolved to find something to be thankful for each day. Over time, this practice became ingrained within me, transforming into a natural reflex. Even in the darkest moments, a deep sense of gratitude overwhelmed me more often than not. One resource that resonated deeply with me during this time was "The Resilience Project" by Hugh Van Cuylenburg—a book I cannot recommend enough.

Somehow, out of the depths of despair, I managed to undergo a profound shift in perspective—a shift that has since illuminated my life in ways I never thought possible. Through embracing gratitude and creativity, I not only survived the darkest chapter of my life but emerged from it with newfound resilience and a renewed zest for life.

Finding joy and contentment in life isn't about waiting for perfect circumstances or external validation. It's about cultivating an inner sense of peace and gratitude that transcends life's ups and downs. It's about celebrating small victories, cherishing moments of connection, and embracing the beauty of the present.

For me, being a glass half full person has become almost second nature. It's not that I deny real emotions or fail to acknowledge when things aren't going well. Instead, I've trained myself to look for the bright side in every situation and to hone in on what I'm grateful for, even amidst adversity.

This mindset shift has had a profound impact on my life. It has helped me navigate the darkest moments with grace and resilience, allowing me to bounce back from setbacks stronger than ever. Knowing that every challenge is an opportunity for growth has brought a sense of joy and contentment that transcends external circumstances.

In conclusion, embracing a glass half full mentality isn't about seeing the world through rose-colored glasses. It's about choosing to focus on the good, even when life throws us curveballs. It's about finding joy and contentment in the simple moments and cultivating an attitude of gratitude that transforms our outlook on life. So here's to embracing the bright side, even when the road ahead seems uncertain. After all, the glass is always half full if you choose to see it that way.