Are you the glass is half-full or half-empty kind of person? Are you feeling optimistic about the future? What does that even mean, really? Well, let’s be optimistic that we will find out how optimism can help us live life to the fullest!
People who have optimism live longer lives. That is a fact. Check out an article about how it can affect your health from the Heart and Stroke Foundation here Optimistic people are generally happier. Notice I didn’t say always, but generally. They know how to use optimism to overcome the difficulties of life.
Optimists choose to see things in a brighter light. They assess situations, looking for the positive outcome instead of the negative. Why choose a negative outlook before it has even happened? Deal with disappointment if and when it becomes reality. Negative emotions are very draining and taxing on the body and mind.
Learning Optimism
But how can you be optimistic when living in a COVID year and every one is quarantining and masking and pretty much just living life looking out for number one? (Was that pessimistic enough?). Well, the optimist (in me) will say, “Science and technology are amazing. We’ve never developed a vaccine this quickly before.” “We are learning what’s really important in life by having some solitude to reflect on how much other people mean to us.” “It’s been a great time to learn a new hobby or skill.”
Your thoughts can become your reality. If you constantly think you can’t do something, then chances are you’ve talked yourself into it. Being optimistic helps you attack problems with a positive mindset so you can at least have a chance at accomplishing them.
Optimism can be learned. It’s a matter of training yourself to have positive self-talk but it takes some work, especially if you aren’t used to seeing the glass half-full.
Here are a couple ideas to try to inspire your optimism:
- When you wake up in the morning, think about how beautiful the sky is outside, even on rainy days. Think about the benefits of rain for the earth. Tell yourself that there will be beautiful flowers in the coming weeks because of this much needed rain. Rainy days are a blessing. It’s a time to catch up on reading a good book with a warm cup of coffee.
- Didn’t get that new job or promotion you were hoping for? Tell yourself that it’s ok. It wasn’t meant to be. God has a better one in mind for you. There was a reason that you didn’t get it. Then, look for new opportunities that will come your way.
- Write down some negative self talk that comes to your mind. What is the positive side to it? Write that down. Repeat the positive statement out loud instead of the one in your head. Learn to choose a positive statement every time.
Action Steps
Optimism is positive self-talk and looking forward to good outcomes for the future. Positive self-talk is important for a healthy mind and a happy life. It’s also a habit that can become a way of life. Practice it for 21 days. Try it and see if it doesn’t change your perspective. Schedule it in your planner/ calendar. Drop me a line and let me know how it goes. Change your habits, change your life.
God bless.–Barb
