Optimism
Image Source [https://pixabay.com/photos/chrysanthemums-yellow-flowers-bloom-5646526]
Have you ever met someone who seemed to always bounce back and even thrive in the face of adversity? Do you wonder how they do this? A quality these persons seem to always possess is that of optimism. Optimists tend to have a positive attitude, a sense of hope and confidence that there is the possibility of meaningful change even when it doesn’t seem warranted.
However, optimism goes far beyond just having only blind faith and positivity. Rather, one must put in the work to achieve the steps needed to accomplish one’s goals. It seems like no matter how dreary the situation is, optimists seem to be proactive, facing it head on.
However, what about those persons who may not necessarily be optimists? A person may have faced persistent setbacks, the weight of mundane responsibilities taking its toll or even other stressors that caused them to lose optimism or lack optimism as they progress in life. The list of reasons a person may lack optimism can be extensive. However, can one cultivate the skill of optimism? Is it even possible? While some people seem to have an innate capacity to be optimists, optimism is said to be a skill that can be cultivated.
Here are some ways I’ve found helpful to develop optimism:
Finding purpose- When we find a sense of purpose and belongingness, we foster a feeling of fulfilment. I’ve found that finding what my core values are, that is, who I am and what I stand for gave me the needed direction to hone the skills necessary for a more purposeful and fulfilled life.
Practice mindfulness- Mindfulness is described as the ability to be fully aware of one’s situation and surroundings at any moment. Meditation and gratitude journaling were some ways I practiced mindfulness. It fostered a sense of peace, calm and appreciation creating a more realistic and positive outlook of my life.
Positive Feedback- Whenever I completed a task (no matter how small) I always ensured to congratulate myself, being my own little inner cheerleader. I found after a while, there was a shift in mindset, where I subconsciously incorporated positive feedback in my thoughts.
Reduce consumption of news- A key aspect in cultivating optimism was limiting how often I chose to read and listen to the news. Constant streaming of distressing news significantly impacted my mental wellbeing, also dampening my outlook on life. I started setting time limits to be well informed of the news from reputable sources.
Please share your thoughts and let's reflect on the following questions. You are welcome to answer any or all:
🌱 When was the last time you felt optimistic?
🌱 Do you think optimism is a skill that can be developed?
🌱 If so, how do you think you can cultivate optimism in your life?
Optimism is one of the skills found in the fifth Dimension (Acting- Enabling Change) of the Inner Developmental Goals.
I appreciate your time and patience in reading this post. Please do have a beautiful day. 🌻
@GentleHealingInitiative
We often talk about optimism and its benefits but how to cultivate optimism is a topic rarely talked about. It is refreshing to see some practical tips
I agree that optimism can be developed. I found reading self-help books to help the most in doing so!
@GentleHealingInitiative hank you for this post (along with correspondingly cheerful image), it was very thought provoking and as Hope suggested, provides very practical advice on something which may otherwise seem ephemeral and difficult to achieve or sustain.
In regards to your three questions;
I always try to demonstrate optimism, but I realise that that is not the same as being optimistic. A desire to be and to show that to others, rather than something yet felt.
After reading your post I am more convinced that optimism can be developed as a skill. If it could not, then why was my heart elated on reading the words in your post? I wish to believe it is because something subconscious realises and agrees. Follow the tricks, listen to the tips, reach the goodies.
And to the third question, as i recognised some of the things you suggest as things i already do, I think staying the course and keep going. Skills take practice. Minds can be flexible, but maybe sometimes need gentle nudges in the right direction. I also think appreciating the successes of others may foster optimism; if one sees it can happen in one case, it can be inferred it can happen in many cases, and from that it is just a gentle stroll towards thinking it can happen in MY case.
Cheers again for the insightful piece. Go team you.
Great post Laiba! I think purpose is very powerful and something we need to do a better job of capturing. If we can be a part of something bigger than ourselves, then I think that goes a long way and helps with resilience and meaning making.
@GlenM Hey Glen! Thank you for taking the time to respond to this post. It means a lot. I completely agree with you.
Purpose is indeed very powerful and really does help us foster a feeling of belonging to something bigger than ourselves, helping to cultivate resilience and meaning making. I appreciate your reply. 💓
@GentleHealingInitiative doh I'm sorry I thought Laiba posted this. My mistake! Great post you! Laiba pointed it out to me, so I had assumed she drafted it. Thanks for the heads up and great post!
@GentleHealingInitiative Thank you for this post. Sometimes I feel like authentic optimism gets lost in toxic positivity and the two could not be more different, right? Optimism is looking clearly at the way things are and having both gratitude for the truth and beauty that is present and holding space for hope that better things will come. Not only do I believe it's something to cultivate, I feel like it's like a muscle that we can strengthen with practice.
I have honestly been neglecting my practice, so reading your post and reflecting on my response was more helpful than you could imagine. <3
@zealousRose5745 Hey, I appreciate your reply!
Indeed, I admire the way you described optimism. I especially liked the part where you said it’s like a muscle that we can strengthen with practice. 💓 I’m so glad to know that my post was helpful to you! Reading your response made my day, so thank you so much for the feedback. ⭐
@GentleHealingInitiative Amazingly fantastic post! I really enjoyed reading and you've definitely given me some food for thought, because often I struggle to maintain optimism.
This morning was the last time I felt optimistic. Something which had been weighing over me has finally lifted and brought with it a whole load of possibilities and opportunities. It's the first time I've had this in years!
I believe optimism is similar to gratitude, I think it's a mindset and a set of circumstances and I think it can be developed and maintained.
I think by following some of your tips. Finding purpose being the main one, and I also find mindfulness a great tool for reducing stress which often has an impact on my positivity.
@MarinaLexi I sincerely appreciate this and I feel so contented knowing that this post was able to give you some food for thought.
Hearing that the thing that has been weighing over you so long has been lifted makes me so happy for you. I can only imagine the relieve you felt when this happened! I’m also elated to know that after this was lifted, you started to attain a whole load of opportunities and prospects after so many years. A hearty congratulations to you and I wish you all the best in each step of your journey and future endeavors. 😊
Keep up the amazing work and thank you so much for the positive feedback. 💓
@GentleHealingInitiative
Purpose truly holds immense power, and it's an area where we can always strive to improve. Being part of something larger than ourselves can make a world of difference, fueling our resilience and enriching our sense of meaning
@lovelyBlossom5344 It’s true, purpose is an area where there’s always room for improvement.
I also agree that being apart of something bigger than ourselves can really make a world of a difference, giving us the drive to keep moving forward and enriching our sense of meaning.
I appreciate you taking the time to respond to my post! 💓
