Being an Optimist

"I have become my own version of an optimist. If I can't make it through one door, I'll go through another door - or I'll make a door. Something terrific will come no matter how dark the present."
Rabindranath Tagore

How we look at things defines us as pessimists or optimists. The pessimist doesn't believe in happy endings; he or she believes that we are doomed to be miserable, and that nothing good will ever happen to us. A lot of pessimists become depressed and turn to substance abuse to blot out painful feelings. They usually don't experience much success and tend to blame others for their problems. The optimist is the opposite: he or she believes that things will work out eventually, and that it is possible to be happy, no matter how grim things look at the moment. The optimist takes responsibility for his or her life and doesn't waste time looking for scapegoats.

So why is it better to be an optimist? Aren't we kidding ourselves when we put on those rosy glasses? It has been proven that optimists live longer, have less stress and suffer less diseases than pessimists. Optimists have stronger immune systems. They are also more successful than pessimists in every area of their lives, whether it be love, finances or simply getting a parking spot in a crowded lot.

Being an optimist is about being adventurous, and approaching every situation without fear and with a positive attitude. It is about trusting yourself and your ability to master any situation one step at a time, no matter how challenging it is. Congratulate yourself for your achievements so far, no matter how big or small they are, and how great or insignificant they might seem to others.

It is about surrounding yourself with positive people and shutting out negative influences. An optimist might hear a disparaging remark but won't take it to heart. He or she believes that human beings are inherently good and trustworthy. However, we all make mistakes, and this is how we learn... There is no failure. Everything that happens to us is an opportunity to move forward and to learn new skills, such as patience, endurance and self-discipline.

It is about eliminating unpleasant situations and people from your presence, and not dwelling upon bad memories. If you can't remove an unpleasant person because he or she is living with you (e.g. a parent or an adult child), just shut them out of your consciousness as much as possible and get on with your own life. Tell yourself that pain is only temporary, whereas optimism is an eternal gift. Once you've adopted it, your life will inevitably improve, because of the way you perceive people, situations and events.

Being an optimist is a way of life, probably the most rewarding of all.

Have a nice day,
Isa