Think
Optomism.

The Case for Optimism

I had the occasion to talk with someone this week who is experiencing a dark period in her life. I had great compassion and empathy for her as she struggled to make sense of the sense of gloom that prevailed over her life. On occasion, we all may go through what seems to be a darkened period of our lives. It is during this time that doors seem to be closed to us, and the windows are shut and locked as well. It is also during this time that the night may appear endless and dawn seems to be a long-time coming. What does one do to get through this difficult time?

Patience, persistence, and optimism are keys to lighting the way when there is darkness. Of these three keys, optimism seems to be the most powerful but yet most elusive. What do we do if optimism is not only lacking, but also seemingly totally absent? How do we manufacture or resurrect optimism when it is so needed but so evasive?

Optimism, the expectation that all will be well or will turn out well, can be manufactured. How? By making a choice to be optimistic. It means to act as if things are improving even if the evidence seems to be to the contrary. It also means to accept the idea that setbacks are temporary, not permanent. It means to look for greater meaning in the challenges that face us and to look for even the tiniest of pleasures in our lives.

During the dark period, it may be difficult to see and experience pleasures in life, even if they are right in front of us. When our attention is driven by pessimism, we may be oblivious to the signs in front of us that we will be okay. When our attention is fueled by optimism, we will make a conscious choice to look for the pleasures in life. Even a moments respite for a worrisome and weary mind can create breaks in the clouds of darkness and, like a rainbow, can remind us of better days and times ahead.

What will you choose: Optimism or pessimism? Hope or hopelessness? Sunlight or darkness? Though it may take more effort to move through those dark nights of the soul, the more that we choose optimism, the more it will fuel our efforts to break through.

Optimism is learned behavior. Adopting such ideas and feelings as, "I can't wait to see what good will come out of this situation", or "this too, shall pass", or "I am just getting eliminating things from my life that don't work for me" will increase your reserve of optimism that will be needed when facing the inevitable challenges in life.

Affirmation for the Week:
 
“I choose to use challenges in life as steppingstones to a better way of living.”
 
Have an optimistic week!

Mary Rau-Foster,

Copyright 2005 by Mary Rau-Foster. All rights reserved.
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