I fold.

by Denise Novaky on 06/24/14

The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change;

the realist adjusts the sails. 

When faced with a situation that cannot physically change on this spinning rock, third from the sun that we call Earth, readjustment is the only option.  I am a realist.  If nothing else, I know when to fold my hand, stop betting, and start a new game.

The pessimist complains hoping that, if he whines consistently and loudly, his words will somehow be heard by someone in some place and bring change.  The pessimist will only find frustration and rage. 

The optimist shrugs off pain believing that the outcome will absolutely be positive.  Afterall, thinks the optimist, how can misfortune possibly happen to someone like ME?  The optimist believes she has power to bring about any change and, if she cannot change the situation, then certainly such unhappiness could never happen to one so powerful.  Unfortunately, it did happen. The realist knows that misfortune is unbiased. The optimist is not omnipotent and, therefore, the only outcome for the optimist is depression and eventual self-loathing.

The realist is imperfect.  The realist whines at times. The realist over-blows his own power at other times. Each time, though, the realist notices the mistake as he bets and the hand is lost.   He does stop throwing bets into yet another losing hand. He accepts that which cannot change. He folds. He begins again in another direction and he antes up.