be an optimist

Reading a good book that relates to this goal…........just started it today and i’m really enjoying it right now.
Title is “Calm My Anxious Heart” by Linda Dillow.

Carrying around the stress of all the bad stuff tends to overshadow the beauty of the good stuff in my life. Using scripture and life experiences, Dillow focuses the reader on finding “contentment” in the midst of the good, the bad and everything in between.

Is it possible to be sad and optimistic at the same time? I’m really trying to make this work. Part of my vocation is to walk beside folks through some pretty tough life circumstances. Seems to be a deluge of difficulty/pain we’re wading through right now. So sad…......but there’s always something to be thankful for…......RIGHT?!

For the next 4 weeks, work is going to be even more stressful than usual. My boss is gone for the next month…..which leaves things quite unbalanced for myself. I’m not looking forward to it but I’m trying to keep my attitude in check.

I used to be a very “optimistic” person. My hubby used to chuckle at my “rose-colored” view of life. Unfortunately in the past 2 years my vocation has exposed me to some pretty harsh realities. Consequently, I feel like I have lost some of my tendency to see the best in situations.
I truly believe I am a happier person when I focus my mind on the good, the true and the right. I may never be able to be that “sheltered optimist” that I used to be….....but I do think I could consciously decide to hold on to the good and let go of the muck of each day.

Promise Yourself-

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

This is such a hard thing to do. Ecspecially the way the world has been going. All the loss and tragedy but I am trying.