Becoming a True Optimist

Times are tough: war, inflation, crime, stock market, stress and debt – just to name a few. There are many things over which you have no control, but there is one thing over which you are the master. And that is of your own thinking.

The way you think affects your self-esteem, your attitude, your success and your demeanor. Here are some useful tips on how to become a true optimist.

Choose to be cheerful. When you feel discouraged, stop yourself. Physically turn around as a spring board to remind you to think about what you are choosing to think. Refuse to acknowledge defeatist thoughts. They are not acceptable. An upbeat attitude paves the way to creative solutions.

Remain hopeful. Do not deny reality. Roses do have thorns. Be careful while enjoying the beauty and the fragrance. Do not deny the negative. Do not allow possible hurt to sabotage potential enlightenment. See it and proceed with caution.

Turn negatives into positives. Being an optimist is not ignoring facts. It is looking at reality and making a legitimate choice. Is the glass half full or half empty? What do you need it to be?

Practice pragmatism. Each time you feel negative, stop, acknowledge that thought and deliberately dismiss it. Look deep inside to find the root of your emotion and consciously replace it with the greater truth of your potential. This practice is profoundly spiritual and life changing. Use it. Embrace it.

Acceptance is a viable option. A bright outlook on life is as simple as accepting what is. It may help to realize that acceptance does not mean approval. Acceptance of humanity’s flaws - self included – brings both a resolution and a surprising sense of eternal hope. Acceptance is a mark of maturity.

Become buoyant. Intervene in your own negative reactions. Rise above difficulties with pragmatic, confident, down-to-earth resilience. Deliberately control your thoughts and positively influence the outcome.

Daily employ the followinig Serenity Prayer. It can move you light years from gloom to hope.

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

the courage to change the things I can,

and the wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time,

enjoying one moment at a time.

Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace.

Taking as Jesus did,

this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it.

Trusting that You will make all things right

if I surrender to your will;

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life

and supremely happy with you forever in the next.”

Reinhold Niebuhr

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