Nothing Is Over Until Is Over

I've heard many times this line in movies. Although it seems an obvious truth, actually it is an praise of patience and optimism. The difference between an optimist and a pesimist actually resides in the perception of 'the end'.

The pesimist is a short race runner, he struggles to obtain the result immediately, and if he doesn't succeed, oscillates between anger and despair. After repetead failed races, he can reach the conclusion that he has no luck, destiny is cruel and life a bitch. That some good things simply do not happen to him, nor will happen, judging by past experience.

In the moments of rage he looks with envy at the ones who can make things work, reproaches their lack of collaboration, makes them feel guilty for their spiritual wealth.
In the moments of despair tries to whine to cause pity 'Take me with you', 'Please help me'.

Disregarding the fact that blaming or causing pity are weak convincing instruments, even when they work, they don't solve the real problem, namely the wrong perception on the 'end'. If this particular problem solved, I would be happy. Actually, what's missing is the training in the long races. Some problems are complicated and don't solve fast. It's no use struggling to finish the first lap, because in order to win the marathon you need to learn to control the effort and the tiredness.

You needn't insist too much (wasting efforts) and accept a refusal (tiredness after the first lap).

Because I'm bored the afternoons and because by guilt and pity I barely convince, I use to let myself approached by ... sellers of charity. There are more of them here in Spain as compared to Romania, and, I must admit, they are smarter. You want to donate because you feel good helping an abused child, a refugee, not because you feel guilty you have enough food and nobody abuses you or because you feel pity.

On top of it, if after 15 minutes of convincing work you still won't give your bank account in order to donate a monthly amount, they don't even curse you, but, smiling, they say that it doesn't matter. The guy I met today told me that everybody goes in his own rhythm, that time is needed in order to gain trust and that perhaps I want to give him my email address to send me some materials. Then he gave me his phone number and a leaflet with the address of the foundation.

I was impressed by this lesson of how to win the marathon. Revelations hit every step of the way whomever is ready to receive them.

Traducere în română