Finding Optimism Amid Cynicism

There seems to be a cynicism infiltrating much of the conversation style over the past six months to a year. On a recent run, I was reminded that much of our perspective is impacted by the experiences around us. But our perspective needs to be protected at all times - it’s what makes us unique - and while it should evolve, I would argue a healthy perspective is one that embraces optimism and hope. It’s what drives us to accomplish and try more.

A lyric from Vinegar Hill by Black ‘47 stuck with me on the run: “When faith is gone, all hope is lost.” And we have lost faith. We have lost faith in our institutions. Our educational system. Our neighbors and what we believe is true. And, we have lost faith in ourselves. We don’t have all the answers - and that’s okay, but as the world continues to change around us, our belief system - our faith in ourselves and our ability to get shit done - is what’s going to drive us out of whatever dark place cynicism takes us.

Skepticism is good - I encourage it. It shows we think. But skepticism evolves to cynicism too easily, and we must be aware that without faith in ourselves and others; without hope that things will be better, without a recognition that we are capable of writing our script - we are going to be spending our days in a negative tornado of cynicism.