All in how I see it

I ask myself why do things stick with me?  There are things I remember even though I do not remember the circumstances when what was said first caught my attention.  A saying in a song of Simon and Garfunkel is like that. “All lies and jest, still a man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest.”
It happens all the time.  My view of the word colours my interpretation of the world.  I too easily see things that are not there, and do not see things that are.  That has big consequences on things that impact me physically, and although I may not as readily acknowledge it, it impacts me big time in the world of ideas too.
The way I think determines my actions.  I can be negative in my word view or positive.  Or a combination of both.  But it seems to be the same in my thinking as it is in what I see around me.  What dominates wins.
Unfortunately I have seen it in my life and the lives of those around me that positive wins the day, and within sight of resounding victory, negativity ambushes and has a win.  Thankfully I have seen it the other way too.  To me a win is a win.  When gained within the rules, I will take it any time.
I really do think it has to do with the way I see the world and the way I interpret the world.  It may be true that things are dire, but it is also true the destination is worth it.  The road is not the destination.
I wanted to visit Cooktown a while back and I still do.  At the end of the road is a quiet old Queensland town.
I heard someone say recently that the word “but” in a sentence makes all the difference.  I am inclined to agree.  I could say that back then, “the road to Cooktown is long, but the destination is worth a look.”  Or “the track is dark, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
For me both sides of the but are true. Which side will affect my behaviour?  Will the darkness cause me to linger and hold back, or will the light cause me to venture forth?
I’ll admit it.  I like to back winners.  For me it is not two forces of equal strength battling it out to win.  One force is equipped to win and thankfully it is the side I want to win.  But for me being equipped to win does not guarantee a win.  I, and those of like mind, need to make it happen.
I have heard that the tunnel is dark for everyone, but there is light beyond.  Will I or won’t I chance it?  My response will depend on how I interpret what I see.  Will I hold back or will that beyond the “but” prevail?