Optimism - Pollyanna Was On To Something
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Mining for Silver Linings...
Life can be ugly, short and sad, but it is also beautiful and touching and it's the only one we've got. The news today tends to report a lot on conflict and tragedy, because that's what sells - we don't hear a lot about the good things, the lovely things, the little daily miracles that keep everything from falling apart and hearing all the bad news can really bum you out sometimes. I don't understand why it's "cool" now to be jaded and cynical unless it's in jest. I can be pretty sarcastic myself at times, but I am also always ready to point out the good in a situation or possible solutions to a problem. I think that Jesus had it right when he said that we need to love each other and think about good things. This lens is to explore Optimism - the positive attitude or mindset that can uplift, bring peace, or just help people cope with life.
What is Optimism?
And Do I Want It?
Go to Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optimismto read about the definition, philosophy and psychology of Optimism.
I firmly believe that Optimism should be tempered with Realism. While visualizing a positive outcome is great, a little corner of your mind should be preparing the Worst Case Scenario Contingency Plan. Then should the worst case occur, you can be pleased that you were prepared, and that it wasn't as bad as it would've been had you lived in utter denial of the facts.
So, try a little more optimism in your life, then try spreading it around - you never know who's day you could make.
Optimism & Outlook Stuff on CafePress
Advertise Your Attitude!
Informative and Useful Links
- Good News Network
- This is a great news site - they only publish good or positive things that conventional media mostly ignores. I go here after reading about the latest tragedy, food/disease scare or war to balance out my mind.
- Optimism Heals!
- An article on MSN Health about the effect of an optimistic mindset on your health.
- Learned Optimism Discussion
- Steve Pavlina has some great info on mindset and attitude in general, so check out his whole site! This discussion relates directly to optimism and how to learn it and the participants reference some other good resources.
- WorkHappy.net
- A Blog focusing on finding happiness in your job and career - and some good resources for finding another job/career :)
- Some Science Stuff
- Newsweek Article on some studies done on optimism, its effects on the brain, and correlations between it and life span.
Books for Enhancing Optimism
Ways to Increase Optimism in Your Life
Try these - let me know what works for you!
- Smile at EVERYONE - it's contagious, really
- Practice saying "well, that's not too bad..." when people want to rehash the terrible news, the latest symptoms of so-and-so's illness, etc. Obviously, don't say this when someone has died or something really horrible has just occurred.
- After employing point number 2, counter every piece of negativity with something positive - "wow, China is over populated, but have you heard how reintroducing gray wolves has really balanced the ecosystem back out in North America?"
- If you find it hard to think positively really do some introspection - maybe with some self-help books or a counsellor. Try to understand if your mindset is really based in your fears and anxieties or if it's a product of your environment - is negativity the way your family automatically reacted to anything?
- Trite but true - COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS! It's hard to hold on to a negative outlook if you consciously dwell on the good things in your life.
More Great Stuff on CafePress
Happy Flickr Photos
Sometimes looking at something beautiful or peaceful can make you feel better or inspire you when you already feel good. Contemplate all the things around you that bring you peace and joy.
Positive Movies
Movies that have a positive message or overall uplifting theme.
Love Actually (Widescreen Edition)
"Get ready for fun!" (Leah Rozen, People more...1 point
Pollyanna (Vault Disney Collection)
You know this one had to be here! I like the book more...0 points
What Dreams May Come
This one is a bit strange - very interesting conce more...0 points
It's a Wonderful Life (60th Anniversary Edition)
Very straightforward "Appreciate what you hav more...0 points
What Works For You?
What do you do to keep an upbeat outlook on life? How has it helped you?
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Forgiven
Aug 19, 2007 @ 2:50 pm | delete
- 5 Star lens! When you get time please check out my lens faithography
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lizthefair Aug 9, 2007 @ 9:23 am | delete
- Interesting lens about an important topic. You might also check out The Chief Happiness Officer.
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Optimistic Stuff on eBay
by WellFedArtist
Yes, I'm unquenchably upbeat - but no, not in the morning. I'm a long-time people-watcher; I enjoy trying to figure them out. My other interests are many... more »
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