Things are not as bad as we think. But for some reason, the mind has a tendency to incline towards the negative aspects of a given situation. As a result, even when the prevailing characteristics of our situation is good, we will tend to experience the downsides more than the upsides. That reality is what the Buddha referred to as dukkha, which in English translates loosely to suffering.
It is the capacity of the mind that is clouded by the defilements of greed, anger and delusion that causes us to see the world in this way. When these defilements arise, we may see a good situation as not good enough, a good situation as infuriating or simply become beset by uncertainty about life in general. All of these responses are responses we owe to the defilements.
Luckily, we can repay this debt and once it is repaid, we no longer need to see the world through such a negative lens. When the defilements are reduced and kept at bay, we can clearly see every situation for exactly what it is, no more and no less than a series of causes and effects. There is nothing inherently good or bad about the experiences that we have. They are subject to our interpretation. Such a perspective is liberating because it means that we no longer need to be slaves to our desires.
How can we make this freedom a reality in our own lives? Thankfully, the path was laid down for us by the Buddha and has been walked by many before us. It is made up of a rigorous training that begins and ends with bringing the mind into the present moment to observe what is happening now. If we repeat this over and over, we will start to understand the world in a completely different way. No longer will we be trapped in a negative outlook. We will be free to enjoy our lives moment to moment.