I've always believed this proverbial to be a little strange. I didn't know what to answer when people asked me if I was the glass half-empty or glass half-full type. Because I've always thought that it depends on the circumstances.

      If you hand me a glass, and pore some water into it, I'll consider it half-full. I went from nothing to something. There's been a growth in my reserves.

      If you take the glass in front of me, and use it to pore some into your cup, then I will consider my glass half-empty. I went from more to less.

     When things are given, it's easy to utilize optimism. In similar fashion, when things are taken or used for someone else's benefit, it is easy to apply pessimism.

     There's nothing wrong with a glass half-empty. Sometimes you need its content. Maybe you needed water to help your plants grow. Maybe you sought to quench your thirst. Maybe you needed to cool down, after a run on a sunny day.

     The water in the glass is meant to be used.

     There is no point of having a filled glass, if not to eventually use its content. A glass half-full that remains that way, serves no purpose (other than metaphorical purposes, of course).

     I think a glass half-empty has the potential to represent optimism. A glass half-empty leaves room for replenishment. A glass half-empty can be the product of productive or charitable actions. Maybe you took a sip to give yourself strength in your remaining marathon. Maybe you shared some water with someone who was dehydrated and had no mean of attaining potable water.

     I suppose if you handed me a glass with no context, I would be prone to assume it's half-full rather than half-empty. I guess that makes me an optimist at heart.

     I like to assume that a glass that is handed to me, is a glass that has been freshly filled, and not already used. Sometimes we're handed glasses with lipstick stains. Sometimes people take advantage of our reserves. We need to be mindful of who we let take from our cup. We need to be mindful to refill our cups when we give to those in need. We need to keep an eye an our cups, and protect them from those with ill intentions.

     A glass half-full flourishes towards a filled glass. A glass half-empty is one step closer to an empty glass.

     A glass loses its function when it's empty.

     Find a way to fill your glass today. Maybe that means taking a nap. Running a hot bath. Going down to the gym. Treating yourself to your favourite restaurant...

     Pore some water for yourself and others as needed, but don't forget to go back to the wishing-well every once in a while. You can't function on empty reserves.