Seductively Pessimistic
Рет қаралды 6,581
6 ай бұрынGotta get a little optimism back in there (even if it isn't Parisian cool to do so). You can read Book Club 13 here: / book-club-13-as-95910067
Get access to my guide to Paris at go.parisinmypocket.com/aKAAqi
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My name is Jay Swanson - I'm an American writer living in Paris on an artist visa. Paris (yes the one in France) has been my home for years now and I have every intention of staying here for as long as they'll have me. I write science-fiction and fantasy, vlogged daily for 3+ years, and love pizza a little too much. Now I make videos about visiting Paris, traveling in Europe, and try to share what I've learned along the way. I hope you enjoyed what you found.
Links are affiliate links where they can be - meaning if you click through them and buy something, I'll get some pennies. Thanks! (The FTC wants me to tell you that up front)
Patron Producer: Andy Shacks
Edited by: Me mo me my
Music by: @Dyalla the glorious
@PokhrajRoy. 6 ай бұрын
I’m inspired by Jay’s videos and sitting in a cafe while watching the video lol
@DateMenNotBoys 6 ай бұрын
Love the optimism. Keep it. It's worth it.
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
Definitely good to keep your chin up
@timpurcell3909 6 ай бұрын
Being pessimistic can aid in being more protective and having a more optimistic side could attract others that you need protection from. Of course, that is why I keep an extra shovel handy.
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
😂
@karissataylor9021 6 ай бұрын
I think the way you’re incorporating your mindset and mental health journey as nonlinear and reflexive in your vlogs is subtle and unique. You’re centring your current experience of practicing glimmers (I’d call them that? From polyvagal theory by Deb Dana) within the ebb and flow of grieving the past and hoping for the future. It signals a closing of one chapter and an opening of another - I’m really excited for you and personally motivated by this content x
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
Thank you 🥰
@lauriecalery8801 6 ай бұрын
Hmmm, do pessimists have positive intent? Gratitude is powerful. ❤ I'm really enjoying these videos Jay. Really ups my morning coffee time. Cheers!
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
Happy I can share them!
@jonneleino5137 6 ай бұрын
Through you, I have been able to follow your life in my favorite city, Paris, with an interesting storytelling for many years. So thank you for that. Once I visited in front of the Le Peloton Cafe and I saw there your friends that have appeared in your videos, and it felt surreal. As if I were part of some TV series.
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
Kind of is in a way 😂 Thank you for watching for all these years!
@pez5098 6 ай бұрын
The ability to be able to count our blessings is a vital one.
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
Agreed 🥂
@Veggiekim 6 ай бұрын
Less social media, “slower news,” and believe better for the future. As always, great advice Jay! Cheers!
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
My pleasure!
@driddy1 6 ай бұрын
I love your work Jay! Part enlightened tour guide, part humble guru, all heart 🫶🏾 The gratitude section of today's video really hit home! Once again, thanks for sharing your daily life in this beautiful city with us 🇫🇷🗼🥖🥐❤️✨
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
It's my absolute honor =)
@flatironnewyork 6 ай бұрын
I read this New Year's resolution post: "for 21 days, try not to complain, criticize or gossip". I tried it - not only do i do these things less out loud, i catch myself when I'm having the thoughts. I try to convert them into gratitude and i think it's impacted my overall optimism (it's all connected, right?). Also, your videos definitely add fun and optimism to my day!
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
That's a great challenge! It's amazing how much we let negativity in without realizing it
@beth5633 6 ай бұрын
That's a great challenge, will try this as well. Beeing fueld by anger is so unhealthy.
@jackie8357 6 ай бұрын
Ooo the coffee art and sipping sounds are so comforting - you and Cooper look like such dapper gentlemen strolling down the street. I've been trying not to consume news at all hours as it is an optimism vampire (and we're in an election year 😱) You are definitely helpful with silencing the inner pessimist
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
It's challenging at first but so freeing to release yourself from the grip of the news cycle 🥂
@jenfnp 6 ай бұрын
It’s been nice waking up to Jay nuggets. Go Cooper!
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching them!
@amourflower9893 6 ай бұрын
Glad to hear cooper is doing better. 🐕This video you did hit the nail on the head. When I discovered your videos it filled a void in me at the time. So with that being said, your love for Paris is great, your positive energy is great too. Yes we all know the world is on fire. However, just for a moment, its nice to still find joy in the most simplest things. My wish is for you to keep showing Paris for what Paris has to offer, restaurants, book recommendation's, apartment's finds, lunch in the parks, museum visits, and places to enjoy a great cup of coffee. Merci Beaucoup😸
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
Happy to share some happy moments from Paris =)
@unchained33 6 ай бұрын
Really really enjoying the new content! this month has been a delight so far
@jaxjourney_ 6 ай бұрын
Happy to have been a supporter for years, and to get to be part of your journey. Usually I turn your videos on at work and I also play walking tours of Paris on one monitor non-stop. These last few weeks I have been including your videos into my morning routines and absolutely love them. Sharing the city, your life, Cooper, and incorporating these nuggets of wisdom, theology, philosophy, gratitude, are ways that you are giving back and making a difference in the global community you have. So while it may not look like you thought when you were younger, it is pretty amazing to see that you have a reach beyond just your local community. I am grateful to you for sharing so much with us throughout the years. Keep up the phenomenal job and journey! Great things are ahead!
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
Thank you! Glad you're along for the ride 🥂
@jaynieyork 6 ай бұрын
Long time follower-I just love what you’ve done with your apartment! And your videos are so well done! You’re very talented!
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
Thank you so much!!
@gailhutchison7374 6 ай бұрын
You are one of THE most interesting vloggers out there. The way you've immersed yourself in your city is so rich and soulful. I love that city, too and have told people that it's like an onion..and you are able to creatively peel off a layer at a time and you do it so well. Keep on evolving, Jay. And thank you!
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
Thank you so much! That's such a kind and lovely comment. This is a great example of why I take the time to read through and reply as best I can 🥰
@shawnodonahue1680 6 ай бұрын
Thank you, you have no idea how much I needed to hear your message today. Seriously, new year, new me. New things to think about. Cheers!
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing 🥂 Here's to a fantastic 2024
@Mulberry792 6 ай бұрын
Social media is skewed to pessimism. You are doing the right thing. Explore the city in person. Meet real people in person. I don’t think our brains were designed to witness the suffering of billions of people.
@ch02063 6 ай бұрын
nice thought!
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
I fully agree. We aren't wired for what we're we've wired ourselves into.
@PokhrajRoy. 6 ай бұрын
Quote of the Day: “My inner thesaurus is broken.”
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
😂
@amyspeers8012 6 ай бұрын
Loving the daily posts and seeing Cooper. It’s difficult for me right now, being positive. I love hearing your mental health journey. ❤
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
I hope that this season leads to a deeper joy on the other side =)
@andyshacks7812 6 ай бұрын
Pleased to be the Producer of todays vlog. Thanks Jay - I’m always happy to support your work. You definitely give so much back to us, through your brilliant content. PS funny how things change as Mouffetard was a place to go when I was in the city way back lol.
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
Man do things change! It's what keeps the challenge alive for keeping my guide from slowly emptying out haha. And thank you for your support as always! Happy you produced this one 🥂
@seabrookel5037 6 ай бұрын
A good dose of pessimism is healthy! Surrounding yourself with people who tend toward your opposite can help with balance. I’m the aggressively optimistic sort and my husband is fairly pessimistic; together we keep each other grounded and moving forward.
@jess-sorandom828 6 ай бұрын
I have been watching your videos for years! I have been a flight attendant for years and I am finally getting a layover in Paris this weekend. (Weather here in the states permitting) thank you! these videos have been so helpful I even looked to see what everyone is wearing right now to decide what to pack. lol you are appreciated! 😊 Hope that helps you keep your chin up! 😊
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
Weather-appropriate packing, that's a creative vlog hack right there 😆 Have fun on your layover!
@toddboothbee1361 6 ай бұрын
A friend who is a metacognitive therapist told me that trying to have possitive narrative sets one up for continued internal struggle. She said why have a long running narrative? Metacognitive therapy is about Not thinking through every thought that occurs to us, but to decide whether or not to engage it. Even if the thoughts and perceptions are accurate, what good is continually engaging it as a matter of course. Seems to work better than CBT. May your good situations continue!
@terenzo50 6 ай бұрын
"As F. Hopkinson Smith long ago pointed out, the claw of the sea-puss gets us all in the end." -- James Thurber, 1933 "Tomorrow is another day." -- Scarlett O'Hara, 1936 & 1939
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
🥂
@Nubianette 6 ай бұрын
Pessimism is a particular, stereotypical Parisian characteristic. Especially, as an American, it could be an uncomfortable “false” feeling, we can get caught taking as our own. As you mentioned, pessimism could be seen as being aware, and possibly more sophisticated. I’m naturally critical, but the older I’ve gotten, I’ve grown to appreciate positivity more. It doesn’t exclude critical thinking. We can all have different styles, and that’s what makes people so interesting.
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
Agreed! And same, I think I was overly skeptical of breathless optimism and found comfort in the pessimistic take as well.
@nancyferrier8609 6 ай бұрын
I'm with you. Watching less news. Once you've got the basic stories there's no value in hearing it repeated over and over again. Being selective in my You Tube choices (of course you are in). Never have been that active on Instagram and just don't do X (formerly known as Twitter). I even am forgiving myself for not being on top of reading books that are popular. Sometimes I just want to sit and let my mind wander and wonder. I'm maintaining a Common Book for random thoughts and notes. Realizing what is possible within my circle of influence and knowing I have a choice in what I want to engage with. One of the most enjoyable is sharing your life in Paris. Just giving thanks for small pleasures and nice little surprises that pop up now and then.
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
I'm glad I made the cut! This all sounds so good to me
@sharonfisher3179 6 ай бұрын
Jay, it's called the middle way.
@chriskigen 6 ай бұрын
Loving the new VADR series Vlog-a-day reloaded? Redux? Reimagined? Just as good as the old series, but way more mature and introspective. 👍🏽
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
Thank you! And good eye 🧙♂️
@ADAtrips 6 ай бұрын
Good morning 🌴🌴Aloha It’s cold here too. (Cool) 🤔
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
👋
@fredrigaudeau 6 ай бұрын
Clove coffee shop, my absolute preferred coffee shop in Paris. Ella and Florent are so nice 😍
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
It's a good'n!
@carolbrenner3121 6 ай бұрын
Begin each day with a few lines of a song. Oh happy day….
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
🥂
@mikeodil7721 6 ай бұрын
These titles have been on point my man! And maybe I’m in the minority on this, but I absolutely look forward to your coffee stops. They’re so essential. Speaking of, have ever been to Substance? The owner there has a serious and tremendous love for coffee - it’s an experience. You have to partake if you haven’t yet. Cheers Jay!
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
Substance is an entirely different experience ☕
@PokhrajRoy. 6 ай бұрын
I mean, I do have bouts of pessimism but on the whole, I do feel optimistic because it just has to be better. There’s no choice.
@ChristieBCurator 6 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing your inner narrative. My narrative is mostly positive. Something to ponder. I was wondering, though… Do all these bistros and coffee shops allow dogs in Paris? Does Cooper ever get rejected from entry? Definitely not like that in the States.
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
Cooper gets in just about everywhere =)
@RH1812 6 ай бұрын
Write ‘Photo?’ On the back of your hand 😄
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
If only that would work haha
@PokhrajRoy. 6 ай бұрын
Haha you’re forgiven for ending with prepositions
@PokhrajRoy. 6 ай бұрын
Whenever someone mentions they read, I have this need to transmit the titles I’m reading lol
@KibbitUpIt 6 ай бұрын
My motto is stay positive, but test negative
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
😂
@zakatista5246 6 ай бұрын
A dog owner curbing their dog. That is the difference between Paris and NYC right there.
@anitawarburton6087 6 ай бұрын
Hi Jay, I noticed you holding your lav mike in your latest vids. Why? My dad says he is a pessimistic optimist. He always expects things to go bad, so when they don't he is pleasantly surprised!
@susangalpin4967 6 ай бұрын
I'm sort of a stoic skeptic with a dash of hopefulness.
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
Sounds like a good mix to me =)
@CarinRuff 6 ай бұрын
Solid poop! That's what we want to hear.
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
Heck yes! 💩
@nicktankard1244 6 ай бұрын
There is definitely a certain comfort in pessimism. I’m a complete nihilist and it feels just right. I also like nihilistic philosophy and books and all that. But maybe it’s because I’m Russian 😂
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
😆 But is nihilism truly pessimistic? I'll have to go look that up haha
@nicktankard1244 6 ай бұрын
@@JaySwanson it can be I think. It’s all intertwined. I also suffer from depression so it’s often mixed and I don’t know what it is. I think I’m more of a realist to be honest. I don’t see the reason to be optimistic about most stuff because the previous data shows that stuff usually doesn’t go well in general.
@crustykells27 6 ай бұрын
What happens when you don't drink coffee or tea in Paris. Do you end up being optimistic with a touch of pessesism
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
Could have that effect
@hbeerman372 6 ай бұрын
🍀🐕♥️🙋🏻☕
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
🌸
@acbc3543 6 ай бұрын
Is SAD taking over you during this winter ?
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
Nah, I'm feeling great
@Chrisb8s 6 ай бұрын
Pessimism has a limit. It’s good to think of consequences, but you don’t have to deal with people that eat up all the negativity that Fox News puts out every day. Every day there is something new to be angry about. It’s frustrating. I do my best to stay positive and reduce stress
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
One of the major problems is that entire business models are built on outraging us now - from mainstream to social media. The deck is pretty heavily stacked
@Sportkite1111 6 ай бұрын
Craveable
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
Good one!
@auntiemjo 6 ай бұрын
How about reading a comedy, just to rest your “over-thinking”. 😁
@Paul_C 6 ай бұрын
Sorry, I actually need interrupt, you really need to stop looking back often. It really doesn't help, you made it to Paris, you built a life there which was NOT easy. It wasn't handed to you on a silver platter. Proud should be the way to look at it. 😊
@JaySwanson 6 ай бұрын
Disagree with you on this one. The only way out is through, and the reason I'm doing so much better and AM proud is by taking the time to look back and embrace those challenges. I appreciate that you're proud of me too 😜
@Paul_C 6 ай бұрын
@@JaySwansonlooking back is a thing we do, however looking back too often might annihilate progress. You can look at it as an continued progression. I actually do know that isn't always the case. Some progression needs to be instantly incorporated, you wouldn't survive otherwise. It is exactly that way I HAD TO treat my progress. The other one was a different person, hence reading Proust again.
@cindygreif3077 6 ай бұрын
Love seeing Paris through your videos. I very much appreciate all of them. Kudos to you for creating a life there, something so many dream about.
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