“Optimism is the one quality more associated with success and happiness than any other.”
Brian Tracy
It is a challenging and crazy world. But we continue to exist.
I heard a friend tell me that to live in this world is to survive. There are always obstacles to hurdle, and once we get over it, we move on to the next. The walls to traverse may differ between us, but the wall is there - imposing its will. Those walls will not move, so we must move it, tear it down, or pass through. The decision on what to do ultimately rests in us.
Recently, we have seen how anger can rear its ugly head when provoked by the way of road rage. Humans are triggered by perceived impartiality or inequality, or when a lack of respect is felt. In a perfect world, these would be easy to brush off, but we are not in a perfect world. We also know that not all of us are gifted with the traits of patience and understanding, so we always need to work on managing our emotions.
To help us make decisions (yes, ultimately, our reactions are a result of our decisions), our thoughts need to be conditioned to neutralize or even eliminate negativity. It is said that humans have this natural tendency to put themselves down and think negatively, so there has to be a conscious effort to resist this inclination.
What, therefore, is the mindset of a positive individual, and how can we adopt it?
First, we must avoid negativity. Even in the hour of death, as we face sickness and disease, we must look at the bright side. A suffering individual may find reprieve from a long history of pain and discomfort when the time comes to leave. Shunning negative thoughts does not mean indifference – it conveys a recognition that not all is lost for there are still people who love and need us.
Second, our words lead us to our emotions. When we fill our language with positivity and good vibes, positivity seeps into our consciousness and uplifts others. We are then strengthened by the goodness around us, even in moments of grief and despair. This is why when a loved one is lost, we give our condolences and render words of encouragement.
Third, we must remain grateful. In the face of loss, we find things that we have. Family, friends, a roof to sleep under, and a job allow us to offset whatever we lack in physical attributes, financial stability, and talent. Thankfulness also means being able to pay it forward. We must actively search for opportunities to be a blessing to others, so we see that our miseries can be handled with ease.
Fourth, our health must be at its best so that we can do and achieve more. Nothing dampens a day more than having uncontrolled pain and unmanageable symptoms. We must also exert effort to minimize pain and discomfort for others. If health problems cannot be prevented, at the very least, they must be managed well through proper diet, exercise, and medications.
Lastly, find positive, well-meaning people. These are individuals with the same thrust as ours – to help and be a positive influence. Counseling others to limit negativity is also imperative. Seek to make a happy community that uplifts and energizes so you will not see the dark side of the day.
Rekindle optimism, and spread good vibes!