Oram Outside

I was first exposed to the idiom rose-colored glasses in my AP literature class in high school. Rose-colored glasses were often thrown around when discussing various pieces of literature and everyone else seemed to already know exactly what it meant. A simple Google search explained rose-colored glasses meant to see the world as if through a filter of optimism.

It took me much longer to fully understand the meaning.

As I graduated with my BSN and was interviewing for bedside nursing positions, I was asked “What is an important character trait that you would bring to our team”? I answered that I’m an optimist, always looking on the bright side of things even through rough times. I meant those words.

Deciding and declaring that I am an optimist has shaped my life and sculpted my mindset to wear rose-colored glasses. It seemed fitting to get a tattoo that represents this important trait of mine. As I brainstormed designs and ideas, I found that fault in my character trait.

I am not an optimist 24/7.

I was an optimist when I wanted to be one. It was easier for me to go against the grain when other people were being pessimistic. When others were pointing out all the negative things, I always wanted to point out the positives. But if I was being negative and someone told me to look on the bright side, I would rather tell them where to shove it.

This led me to the song “Rose-Colored Boy” by Paramore. This song is a narration between two characters. The song is sung to the rose-colored boy, the person who is an optimist and doesn’t want people to feel depressed or down. The singer is someone dealing with depression or anxiety that just wants to feel the emotion and not want to be told: “look on the bright side”.

I’ve decided I embody both perspectives in this song. I’m the rose-colored boy telling everyone to keep their chin up. I want to perpetuate optimism and always appear happy. But I’m also the person that just wants to “cry a little bit longer”.

I want to say I lean more toward being rose-colored, but I’m content not having to pick a side. I’m not extreme in either direction. I need empathy with my optimism and accept that sometimes situations suck and it’s okay to feel those emotions too.