❤︎ Choose Optimism ❤︎
⋆˙⟡♡₊˚⊹. "When it rains, look for rainbows" .⊹˚₊♡⟡˙⋆
Believing in light when all you've ever known is darkness can feel almost impossible. But this form of attitude doesn't mean you force yourself into fake positivity.
Instead, it allows us to stop, breathe and reflect. Optimistic people assess the difficulties and understand setbacks are temporary and its potential for personal growth. Research has demonstrated how these individuals have lower stress levels, longer lifespans and overall better physical health.
How To Master Optimism:
- Find at least one positive in each situation ❤︎
- Practise gratitude ❤︎
- Set realistic goals ❤︎
- Be mindful of self-talk ❤︎
- Challenge negative thoughts ❤︎
- Surround yourself with positive influences ❤︎
- Give yourself a level of grace ❤︎
- Remember everything passes - good or bad. ❤︎
Q&A :
☆ Give an example of a difficult situation you faced, whats one positive thing you gained from it?
☆ How important do you think being optimistic is?
@YourShouder03
I can still remember one of the difficult situations I faced was dealing with multiple commitments and deadlines within a short period. I didn't even have much time to relax and talk with others. The period was truly difficult, but I managed to go through it! I would say one of the positive things I gained was learning how to manage my time better through weekly schedules and checklists (which are the tools that I've never used before!)
@Renjik8013 Hi Renjik! I think this is great, and I'm proud of your positive outlook over the situation! In fact, I think that can be a key point of optimism, being able to be in any situation and say: though it is hard right now, I'm going to learn a lot from what I'm going through. And while I'm here, I can be receptive and growthful to what I'm learning.
Such beautifully written!
I still remember when I was struggling to clear my med school entrance exam. I was heartbroken when I couldn’t really crack it in the first attempt. However I always used to stand in front of the mirror and repeat, If they can you can too! I would appreciate myself and was always hopeful. And when I finally made it, it was probably clear to me that whatever happens I’ll face it with a smile and the feeling that I can do it.
Also I feel when you are optimistic it kind of sends a signal to the universe and also empowers you to do better.
@Catmomj99 Hi Catmomj! I love your saying, "If they can do it, I can do it too!" I think that's an essential part of optimism! It lets us find strength in knowing others have been here and though it seems hard right now it is doable. Most situations in life have been faced before, and we can continue forward in strength. That's a great optimistic view, and way to pull strength from the world.
@YourShouder03 Thank you for sharing this thoughtful post on optimism. You're right, maintaining a positive outlook can be challenging, especially in tough times. However, it’s not about forcing fake positivity but rather about finding genuine moments of hope and growth. I agree that optimism can lead to lower stress levels and better overall health.
@YourShouder03 thanks for this wonderful discussion. Optimism has really helped a lot in reducing a lot of stress and anxiety, which can just be detrimental to our overall health. So I think practicing it constantly can help us program our minds to have a healthier mindset while not living in ignorant bliss ❤️
@fireflyyv I agree completely, I find that optimism and gratitude (a branch of optimism) is an essential prescription to easing my anxieties!
Thank you so much for this! It was very helpful!
@YourShouder03
In my life, I find that I have a hard time with control. I always want it, to have a perfect plan and time schedule in place. In this, I can think of not only big events, but hundred of little ones where I have learned to grow and use optimism to overcome setbacks instead of spiraling in the chaos of loosing control. Taking life as it comes, so to speak. For example, the other day my tire hit a pot hole and popped! While anxiety started rising (oh no, what about my very specific plans for the day!!!) I immediately hit the anxiety with gratitude and optimism: At least I can afford a new tire, and there is a way to get a tow truck, and while I'm waiting at the car dealership I can sit down and have some coffee and read the book in my purse!
Optimism is the most important. Attitude is everything, it highlights and reminds you of your strengths. It turns an "I can't" attitude into an "I can find a way" attitude. Negative attitudes, both in negative situations or just general daily attitudes are also a breeding ground, a plague of sorts, for others feeling negativity. People don't always realize how important it is to be positive for others, especially younger people who see you as a role model.
@YourShouder03
Give an example of a difficult situation you faced, whats one positive thing you gained from it?
Not being accepted by anyone for a LONG time. But the positive is over time I accepted myself and since then I’ve been my closest friend and life partner with myself.
How important do you think being optimistic is?
It is definitely very important. You already posted the reasons why I believe it’s as important as it is. But depending on how people’s lives are/have been and how they deal with that and how it’s affected or impacted them, they will believe they can’t be optimistic and therefore will not try to be.
@YourShouder03
☆ Give an example of a difficult situation you faced, whats one positive thing you gained from it?
A difficult situation that I've faced would be when I was being strung along by some guy that I had been talking to for a while. It really negatively impacted not only my mental health but it start to impact my physical health as well. It also made me doubt my self-worth and I lost all self-respect for myself. However, I would not be able to tell you all this if I hadn't gone through it in the first place. By that I mean, the one positive thing I did gain from this experience is to know my own self-worth and when to recognize when a relationship or situation has become harmful to me.
@YourShouder03
What a beautiful message! I totally relate to the struggle of finding rainbows in tough times. Your tips on mastering optimism are so helpful! I’ve found that focusing on even one positive thing can really change my perspective. Practicing gratitude has been a game changer for me too, it helps me see the little joys in life.