Our attitudes affect our lives in so many ways. We have all heard about those who view the glass “half empty” or “half full”. There are some people who are even glad to have a glass at all! We do have the ability to change our attitudes, by changing the way we talk to ourselves when faced with setbacks or adversity. The Dictionary defines optimism as having “hopefulness and confidence about the future or successful outcome of something; a tendency to take a favourable or hopeful view.” So optimists can look on the bright side and choose to see the silver lining in all things. Pessimism is often the cause of depression and pessimists are more likely to develop chronic illnesses later on in life. However, by changing how we think. We change how we feel.
Children ask “Why?” a lot, and listen to the explanations of adults in their lives, especially from their mother. If the mother’s view is negative, the child hears and internalizes this. Psychologists recognize that this ability to be optimistic is largely a learned trait. The good news is that you too can now learn to cultivate a more optimistic attitude with the help of some of the following suggestions:
Challenge your negative thoughts. Consider if there was a better and healthier way to look at a situation, what might that look like? Choose to look for the silver lining and you will see that it is there. If you just change your perspective, you may see that light at the end of the tunnel. Be the change you want to see in the world. Just like the Gandhi quote says, “act the way you want to be, and choose not to spend time around negative people.” Misery likes company and soon you can find yourself joining others in that misery. Surround yourself with other optimistic and more positive people that way you can change your behaviour and then fake it until you make it.
Imagine a more positive outcome. Visual imagery is the language of the brain, so give your mind a clear picture of how you would like things to be. Optimists picture themselves accomplishing their goals. These positive pictures in the mind assist them in accomplishing what they want. Rather than stewing about what is happening to you, start to think about what you can do to make things happen. If you’re not happy with the way your life is now, set goals to make changes and take action. You have the ability to learn and implement these ideas just as much as anyone else.
... as published in Rising Women Magazine ~ Volume 13 • Issue 6
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