My Life as an Optimist

 

Have you seen this meme?  It has been circulating on social media lately.

Well my grass is always greener literally & figuratively, because I choose it that way; I actually chose to put in artificial grass in my backyard because that way I don’t have to water it (we live in a desert) and I don’t have to mow it.  Some people might call it ‘fake’ grass, but I like to think of it as low maintenance.

Life is full of opportunities to choose 'your attitude'.  For instance, I could grumble about my hubby working overtime – or I could be grateful he has a good job and celebrate the fact that his overtime will help us pay off our bills. 

I admit, it’s not always that easy, but in general I see most events as opportunities, and I try to focus on the positive.

So when I fell and broke my ankle the night before my daughter’s wedding I could have whined and complained, but who would that help?  We actually laughed about it and tried to make the best of it, and I was very grateful that I didn’t need surgery. I did miss out on many of the wedding festivities, but I did get to watch my daughter get married and we have a very unique and funny story to tell.  

I do grumble and complain sometimes; I am only human, but then I remind myself how lucky I am.  

I know a wonderful colleague who gave a workshop on the idea of resiliency. She asked the audience the question, “What would be your first thought if you were fired from your job?”  For me, after feeling sad/mad etc., I would be thinking, “well there must be a better job waiting for me.”  It's not actually a hypothetical, I did have that experience when the hospital unit where I worked was closed.  One month later I had a job that I loved even more. 

I know that bad things happen, but I am one of those annoying people who find a way to look on the bright side.  I have always been like that.  I can remember my mom saying I had rose-colored glasses, and maybe I do.

I believe that a positive attitude can make any situation better, and I believe that everyone can learn to be more positive.  It does come easy for some of us, but anyone can work on increasing gratitude, and that is the first step toward being more positive.  There is always something to be grateful for.  Even Anne Frank, who was hiding in an attic to keep away from the Nazi’s, was able to find good in the world, as she showed with her famous quote “Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart.”

I know for me, I have so much to be grateful for, and life is much better as an optimist.