have you looked at the learned optimism stuff? It might be helpful or encouraging.

http://www.amazon.com/Optimistic-Ch...silience/dp/0060977094/ref=sip_rech_dp_8

http://www.amazon.com/Learned-Optim...mp;s=books&qid=1243350548&sr=8-1

and Seligman's website, full of interesting questionnaires to evaluate where you are on these things...

http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/Default.aspx