The Quality of Optimism

I've returned to The Book of Qualities, by J Ruth Gentler once again to meet the needs of one of the senior students in my little Writing From Memory class I'm currently teaching in my local community center. This little volume personifies various concepts and personality traits. The particular student "in need" seems to be fixated on writing about her past relationships. Apparently, there were many.

I'm OK with that. I only hope that she picks a few qualities that are as revealing about herself as those that might describe her Ex's. There is much to be learned by writing about a quality. The aforementioned book seems to have survived well over the years. I first encountered it and its author way back in the late 1970s. I took a journal writing workshop from her. Then, a few years later, her book came out and I introduced these writing exercises to my students. 11th grade Juniors seemed to do the best with it. It's been quite a while since I set out to write a "Quality." But I recalled it's best to immerse yourself in quotes and comments about the particular quality you've chosen, and then let some ideas sink in before setting down your thoughts and traits about it. So, aa an example for my student, I decided to write a Quality on the concept of Optimism.

Optimism

Optimism wakes up singing. He always feels refreshed. Getting out of bed is easy and welcomed. Optimism thinks about the past more than most but always finds something to smile about, like few. When He feels depressed, his friend Music is always there. He comes over at odd hours.

Optimism knows he should avoid friends like Panic and Pessimism. But they are so much fun to argue with that he often forgets their inabiity to relax.

People whisper to Optimism about his glass being half empty or half full. They try to sneak around his back to see for themselves. He is aware of these antics and rarely leaves room for anybody to pour anything for him to drink. But He enjoys saying, “I’ll have

another.”

Optimism has recently become attracted to Empathy. He thinks a long term relationship is possible, but she seems to be avoiding him. He sees how she looks at Indifference. She likes a good challenge and has never been known to give up on anybody. This could take a while.

Optimism is having some good friends over for an evening of conversation and support. He’s looking forward to seeing Confidence, and Political Will. Achievement and Progress say they will attend. He didn’t invite Pessimism because an evening spent with him is always a waste of time.

Comments

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