How do you define optimism ?  

Hopeful, Confidence, Encouragement, Great Expectations, Positive Thinker, Upbeat, Assured, Idealist, Dreamer … These words are used to describe optimism and being optimistic. Do they reflect positivity that you would like to see more of in your own experience?  Optimism is not for dreamers only.

Optimism is a ‘Happiness Booster’.  It holds many benefits for those who practice this life-view, including all of the above – plus – higher self-esteem, and reduced risk for depression and anxiety.  Health benefits are also realized with reduced blood pressure, stronger immune systems, and peace of mind. 

I define optimism as a choice – not an accident or a blind spot.

It’s not about putting on blinders or rose colored glasses that would block or distort our view of reality.  An optimistic view takes in the whole picture – the good, the bad and the ugly – and intentionally puts the ‘good stuff’ in the foreground. 

Optimists allow themselves to learn and grow through difficulties.  When things go wrong, they ask questions of themselves and their circumstances – rather than just accepting loss or negativity as insurmountable barriers.  

Optimists don’t give up easily.  They work to cope with negatives effectively – overcoming obstacles that could otherwise stop their progress.  They don’t deny difficulties – but accept them and try to make the best of these situations. 

Taking an objective view of trouble – optimists may ask:

Is there an alternative meaning to this difficulty?

Can something good come from it?

Are there any hidden opportunities here?

What can I learn from this?

When I overcome this obstacle – will I have gained any strength or skill? 

Optimists know that good outcomes depend on their own choices and actions. They look forward to the future with hope and confidence. 

Believing that goals are achievable helps us to be fully engaged in those efforts and to invest the necessary time and energy to them.  

Practicing optimism is definitely a happiness boosting activity and we can learn to make it a habit – not just a passing ‘feel-good’ emotion.  

When negative thoughts arise (and they will, for everyone, at some time) … an optimist will put persistent effort into answering some of the questions above – and actively challenge the permanence of the dark.  It takes vigilance and hard work to continually check and challenge negative thinking.  

Set goals and record your progress.  We can begin with imagining how we want our lives or situations to be … then identifying what it will take to make improvements.  Write your goals down – and journal about daily/weekly progress.

Look for silver linings in your dark clouds.  If one direction is closed – are there alternatives?  

Optimism is built on hard work and practice. Surprising, positive outcomes can come of this kind of thinking.  That’s not just optimism … that’s a fact!

‘Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit’. Romans 15:13

Blessings, Love and Laughter to you,

Margaret