I have a pretty good imagination. The problem is that it leans toward negativity. What this means is that when I imagine any scenario, it usually involves more aggravation, obstacles, and suffering than is reasonable. I’ve tried to justify this by saying that I’m just preparing for the worst, and then when the actual event happens and is better than I imagined, I’m pleasantly surprised.

I’ve found, though, that this “doomsday” mindset leaves me worried and fretful more than it comforts me. If someone I love is unwell or struggling, imagining them suffering doesn’t help them get better. I suppose that it is a way of imagined support, but if it weakens the person who is supposed to be doing the supporting, is it really helpful?

I’m trying to cultivate a more positive imagination. It’s not easy, but when I start to imagine worst case scenarios (and believe me, I can conjure up some pretty bleak situations), I am trying to stop myself and choose to see the best. If it’s someone who is sick, I imagine them doing what they love, the activity that gives them joy. I don’t know that this helps the person who is not well, but I do know that it helps me. Our imagination is a gift, but it’s up to us to decide whether it is a blessing or a curse.

Photo courtesy of Kuhlens Photography