My lifelong friend Jenny is an eternal optimist, a wonderful woman with a quick smile and an infectious laugh, even when she’s faced with the toughest of circumstances. If I could bottle up her optimism and joie de vivre, I would. Then I’d give the vials away for free.
Years ago, when both her children were diagnosed with diabetes, she remained upbeat and hopeful, turning her medical nightmare into a positive force that helped raise thousands of dollars in research for juvenile diabetes.
We all have challenges in our lives, and finding the bright side of a tough situation isn’t always easy. But putting some effort into thinking positive can make all the difference in how you weather a storm, whether it’s challenging children, a marital problem or financial difficulties.
Now, I’m not advocating Pollyannaish thinking or doing away with reality. After all, some circumstances are simply too dark to let in any light. And at a certain point, you simply have to accept that you’ve been dealt a tough hand.
But bouncing back from a difficult situation -- or surviving it with grace -- requires a glass-half-full approach to life, which isn’t always easy. Consider this delightful definition of optimism: “The belief that good things will happen to you and that negative events are temporary setbacks to be overcome.”
If negative events are just that -- temporary -- then we’re all going to be OK, no matter what might be on our plate today. Simply keeping that thought in mind should ease whatever worries you at the moment.
Now, go enjoy a less stressful day with your glass half full, knowing that goodness will prevail eventually.