Chicken Little

I have more than a little of the Chicken Little in me.  Sometimes I am prone to worry about what could be and fail to focus on the reality of the moment.  

I am not a classical worrywart as such, but I do tend to fret over what could happen.  I play though in my mind various potentialities that could come to pass from any given action and more often than not I find myself dwelling on what could be the least desirable outcome of the lot.  When this happens I find myself playing the part of Chicken Little.  

My Chicken Little personae differs somewhat from the classic version in that I do not let out any sort of hue and cry over some sort of perceived doom that appears to be looming over me.  But, rather I adopt a more pessimistic attitude in preparation of the potential disappointment I may have to face if the choice I make, or the action I take proves incorrect.

I am certain that this behavior can be traced to my paternal grandmother’s influence.  She always told me to prepare for the worst, and if it fails to materialize…well, so much the better.  She told me never be overly optimistic about anything because you are only setting yourself up for disappointment.  If you face life as a pessimist you are always prepared for whatever disappointment comes your way.  And, your life will be filled with pleasant surprises whenever things turn out for the best.

I am aware of this pattern in me and do my best take it into account when I examine any situation, especially when I have an important decision to make for myself.  Grandma Haines was a font of depression era wisdom but I endeavor not to let the specter of her teachings sway me in an overly negative way.  I have learned to take this possible weakness and make it into one of my strengths.  Thanks to her influence I am more likely to thoroughly examine any path I may be considering, and if the desired results fail to materialize I am in a better position to deal with the disappointment.