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Optimism 101
15 July 2014
Allison read one of the best birthday cards she’s ever gotten and remembered it’s important to be optimistic when times are tough and to celebrate when things get better.
Tags: allison read, happiness, optimism
We write about happiness a lot at Allison Partners and my very favorite class that Rachel teaches is called Happiness Matters. If I’m having a bad day, I often go back through her slides and remind myself, “Oh yeah. I can do some stuff to get happy even when everything seems sad.”
I also know that being optimistic is an important part of the happiness equation. My blog post about Jane Brody’s 5 May 2012 New York Times article, A Richer Life by Seeing the Glass Half Full, explains why practice makes perfect when it comes to this important skill. The logical sometimes cynical voice in your head may appreciate the research referenced in this article about how if we’re willing to take control of our thoughts, take specific actions that support an optimistic approach, and surround ourselves with people who nurture us and our commitment to being happy, optimism is something we can learn.
But there are times when I need a quick hit of optimism either when I’m in a hurry or just don’t have the energy to think too hard about how to be optimistic. That’s why this card from one of my dear friends and clients is in my kitchen where I can see it every day.
It brings me a lot of comfort when times are hard. And when life is pretty great like it has been recently, I’m able to celebrate the patience and optimism I practiced while waiting for things to get better. People sometimes sneer when they call someone else, “Pollyanna,” but it turns out that fictional little girl and her father knew what they were doing when it comes to the The Glad Game.
What helps you to be optimistic?
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