Tuesday, January 3, 2012

My way of thinking/ Optimism

Optimism. Merriam-Webster defines it this way:  1:a doctrine that this world is the best possible world.  2: an inclination to anticipate the best possible outcome of actions or events.


I personally choose door number 2 on that definition.  It just sounds more like me.  When Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote the song "A Cockeyed Optimist", I wonder how they knew I would be born a decade after they wrote my theme song.  They must have been clairvoyant!  "Cause I'm stuck like a dope with a thing called hope, and I can't get it out of my heart.  Not this heart."  Those words have stuck with me all my life and I, for one, am grateful that mom introduced me to that song (along with thousands of others).


My Mother was the ultimate optimist.  In the face of what appeared to be insurmountable health issues, she retained her sense of hope.  She knew that one day at a time was not just an ideal, but an absolute necessity.  It was a given that her life would be a short one here on Earth, so she made the most of every moment.  Admiring her as I did, it wasn't much of a stretch for me to want to be just like her.  I hope that I have achieved that goal.

When counselling people who have lost everything,  I am struck by the few who have retained their hope for a better future.  They are optimists with the best chance at a better future.  The people who have lost any sense of hope are the hardest to help.  For people in that predicament, my first order of business is to try to help them find some kind of hope.  Attitude adjustment is what is needed.  It is something that you have to practise.  You have to remind yourself every blessed day to believe that there are good possibilities in front of you.  But you have to be willing to see those possibilities.  There IS effort involved.  Learning to look at challenges as possibilities rather than obstacles takes work.  It's a challenge in and of itself.

Believe it or not,  I get a great boost by watching my two dogs.  They are the embodiment of optimism.  They greet each new day with a joy and enthusiasm that inspires me to do the same.  They join me as I greet the sunrise with a morning meditation in which I allow the powerful energy of the sun to infuse me with light energy, hope, and love.  Start each day that way and you can't go wrong.  You may still face challenges but they are easier to face with the positive faith in hope and love.

                                       Peace and Love,

                                          Austin/Bill

                             www.wahjr56.blogspot.com


11 comments:

  1. Well said! I have always been an optimist, in spite of some episodes of depression over the years. I have always tried to look for and expect the best...I don't know how to be any other way. I have been accused of defending strangers, trying to explain why he or she was being a "jerk". I guess it is just that part if me that wants to see only the best in others. I see no advantage to focusing on the negative...it seems to breed only more negativity and unhappiness. Also, it helps to have a short memory where perceived "wrongs" are concerned, and a photographic memory for the good things!

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  2. Optimism is the way to go, Sandy! I am one of a growing number of people who love and appreciate your insightful comments. Time to write your own blog ny dear. Your voice is powerful and beautiful. Time to sing Sandy!

    Love,

    Baustin

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  3. Your mom sounds like she was a wonderful person, Bill. Maybe you could write a future post about her? Sandy is so right about optimistic people having a short memory for the bad stuff. No sense hanging on to those memories. Love how you included your dogs as optimists -- dogs are so accepting and loving and see the best in all of us. You're off to a good start this year!

    Trish
    www.robertssister.com
    caregiving. family. advocacy.

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  4. I feel so sorry for people who carry a negative load all the time. Even sorrier for children growing up in that atmosphere... How lucky you were to have a mother who bathed you in optimism! I can't say my family was optimistic by nature, but somehow I found my way to a more positive expectation. I think that's what optimism means to me - being able to hold an expectation and to not let negative or unfortunate experiences dictate what's to come next.

    Nice way to start the year!

    Judy Stone-Goldman
    The Reflective Writer
    http://www.thereflectivewriter.com
    Personal-Professional Balance Through Writing

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  5. It comes as no surprise that my friends are optimists. Judy and Trish, you inspire optimism every time you tap on your keyboards! I am so blessed to know you. As we look forward, it is easy to envision a lot of love and inspiration in our future. Boy, do I LOVE you ladies!

    Love,

    Bill

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  6. I've been infected with a new sense of optimism this new year. My prayer is that it lasts as I take on some personally scary goals later this year. But I take comfort in the truth you tell about dogs and their unquenchable optimism. Wishing you the best.

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  7. wonderful post to start the new year, Bill. I am usually one to side with optimism and usually keep that perspective. Yet when some really traumatic things have happened (you know the most recent case of that), I fall into a pit. It's always temporary, but I just have to work through things in my own way -- might not be the best or most hopeful in certain moments, but it's the way I process events, I suppose.
    Atticus was my booster-shot of hopeful exuberance & without him it's hard for me to muster that same level of optimism. but I'm moving forward.... one paw in front of the other :)
    Heidi

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  8. What a great thing to be infected with Dennis! Your art is always optimistic. At least what I have seen. I am so excited that I get to watch you fly in the year ahead!

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  9. When my brother, Phil transitioned, I thought I might never come back from my deep and overwhelming abyss of grief. I stopped talking to friends. I alienated a lot of dear fiends because I couldn't deal with their happiness while I was so miserable. I understand what you are going through dear friend. I have no trouble comparing a two legged love to a four legged one. Atticus is still with us. So is Phil. Hard to see at first but the day will come when you realize that love never dies. Atticus was a great love just like Jon, Charlie, and Roxy are great loves of mine. All is well, Heidi. I am here and I have no intention of going anywhere.

    Love,

    Bill

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  10. That is so powerful and beautiful, William! I loved reading this new posting...so perfectly stated...I was moved and very inspired by your words, and loved hearing about your Mother's story of hope and strength in the face of adversity...Thank you again for your gifts and talents! love, Laura

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