Optimism: Week 1

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”

― Winston S.Churchill

Let’s start our month long expedition of Optimism with these finest words of wisdom preached by Mr. Churchill.

Optimism is the ability to see the positive and bright side of everything.

Easier said than done! I know.

We are faced with so many complexities of life that wearing the mask of positivity at all times becomes challenging. And there is no magic potion that can convert you into a cent percent optimistic human overnight. Rather, it’s a process.

So what we need is an overhaul, exactly the same way, as our cars need it when their parts start to wear down. In order to save or extend the life of our vehicle, we instill energy in each of its part. In a similar manner, in order to revive hope, confidence and buoyancy in our lives, we need certain changes in our attitude.

Optimism is nothing but a reflection of our attitude.

To eye for positivity in the day-to-day activities of our lives, however miniscule, is the key to molding our attitude towards optimism.

We must remember two things:

1. We ALWAYS have a choice.
2. The key to happiness is in our OWN hands.

If we follow these two golden rules, things/ events/ people will have a less bearing on us and we will begin to respond to the situation rather than reacting to the situation. We’ll notice changes in our attitude starting from controlling panic attacks over trivial issues like spilling of milk or a scratch on the car to remaining calm during an argument or a major setback.

Do you really feel that spilling of milk is such a catastrophe that it fades away the smile from your face? Aren’t you feeding those starved harmful feelings in your mind by being so impulsive?

Do you really want the other guy to win over your peace of mind and steal your moments of happiness by indulging in that unproductive argument? Can’t you see the clouds of negative emotions rising above you from your reaction?

Isn’t changing our attitude in everyday matters, worth a try? It won’t have any adverse effects, I assure.

So, let’s distance ourselves from these pests that feast on our harvest of optimism.

These little attitude transformations go a long way in creating a base stock for optimism.

When we develop a ‘let it go’ attitude towards irrelevant things, it leaves our brain with more energy and focus for critical things in life. Thought clarity sets in; enabling a logical evaluation of the pros and cons of the vital issue at hand thereby tilling the field for sowing the seeds of optimism.

So, let’s lay the foundation for optimism this week by changing our attitude towards trivial issues by remembering the two golden rules.

We shall sow the seeds of optimism as we move forward.

I would end this post with words of Oprah Winfrey:

“The greatest discovery of all times is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.”

So tell me,

Do you always wear a positive attitude?

Do you believe that we always have a choice?

Do you react or respond?

Are you ready to plough the field with me?

I would love to hear your views on this.

Cheers!