Is it strange that an artisan jeweller is writing about the difference between two words? Does it matter? I think so, probably because I think of myself as an artist (sculptor of metals). As an artist motivation is extremely important, I can’t do something well if I don’t care about it, or don’t want to do it. I put a lot of myself into my work, and the inspirations and passions that bring about each piece are very dear to me. When I discuss what I do I try to choose my words carefully, so that I’m not miscommunicating my intentions or feelings.
When I talk about making tokens that make an impact on someones life I need to use the most accurate words I can think of to describe what I’ve created. So I use the word positive over the word optimistic. There’s a whimsy about optimism that’s romantic and attractive. But I don’t know if that’s the most suitable word. Sometimes I’m optimistic, but I’m really more of a positive person than an optimistic one.
Optimistic
“Disposed to take a favorable view of events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome.”
Optimism is great, I really like it, as a word and as a feeling. But I find that it’s too far over on one side. It’s not that I think optimism sets the bar too high, it’s that I think it encourages tunnel vision with only one possible outcome. I’m a big picture person so I think that being able to see the periphery and include all that life has to offer is important.
Positive
“Consisting in or characterized by the presence or possession of features or qualities rather than their absence.”
This is an action word that’s inclusive and open. When you think of the word positive often you also think of the word negative, they’re mates that work in conjunction and balance each other. Positive doesn’t ignore or turn its nose up at negative, it acknowledges it and works with it to create a beneficial outcome. I choose to be positive and accept that joy and sadness are equally legitimate and important in life. I work at living a positive life with meaning, which is a work in progress.
These two words as similar to one another and they share some of the same descriptive words. But they aren’t the same, and when you look at them closely you can see how different they are.
Living an optimistic life is probably pretty easy, but boring and disappointing. I’d rather live a positive life knowing that it’s a ride full of ups and downs, aiming for the ups and managing the downs.
*Oxford American Dictionary
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