The Power of Optimism by Cynical Jackie

I admit that I am not the most optimistic person out there. I even garnered the nickname "Cynical Jackie" by a college professor. Nevertheless, I would say I'm actually cautiously optimistic. Namely, I want to be optimistic; however, I always think about the what-ifs. What if it does not happen? What if I fail? 

That being said, after a very challenging year, don't we all want to feel like things will get better? We pray or hope that we will get to do the things we missed out on in 2020. We pray or hope that we will get to see our loved ones IN PERSON. We pray or hope that THINGS WILL GO BACK TO NORMAL! I'm not talking about a "new normal." I want normal, normal—the old normal. Actually, a better normal for everybody.

We have all struggled in 2020 - some more, some less. I'm thankful that we have endured 2020 together. We may not even know each other, but we are united in struggle. We are also united in hope.

So as a reminder to myself and possibly others, I have listed some reasons to be more optimistic:

We are still here. Life has always been challenging. Yet, we manage to exist, and we make life better for others. Think about all of the ways you contribute to society. We are unique, and thankfully, we are still here.  
 
We are loved. People love us and want the best for us. Even when you feel unlovable, someone out there cares for you. Someone even loves you when you are not that loveable. 
 
We can help others. When people go through a mass crisis, the experience increases our empathy. Additionally, our compassion rises so much that we feel called to help others. Think about times we have come together to support a community after a disaster: hurricanes, tsunamis, floods, or wildfires. During these challenging times, we come together in love and support, and when we help others, our feelings of happiness grow as well. 

We can share hope and optimism with others. We all struggle. Being open with our struggles allows others to know there are other people out there facing challenges. I never want to portray myself as perfect or problem-free. We all struggle, and I put myself at the top of that list. 

Now it is time for the hows: How to be more optimistic.

Remind yourself why optimism is essential. It feels better to go through life with hope rather than hopelessness. Additionally, when you are in a state of despair, it negatively impacts your mental and physical wellbeing. 
 
Surround yourself with reminders. These reminders could be notes or quotes about optimism. Google search optimism quotes, and you will undoubtedly find some worthy of being part of your reflections and in your surroundings.
  
Choose optimism. You should choose to be optimistic. When you realize that your thought patterns are going to the negative or pessimistic, redirect your thoughts by thinking about the good things that could happen.
 
Think about past crises that you have survived. We all have lived through some unfortunate circumstances. When we reflect upon what we have already endured, it helps us realize how strong and powerful we are. That renewed sense of fortitude will help us through current challenges. 
 
Focus on how fortunate you are. I know that I can get into a pattern of thinking about what I don't have; however, I know that I am very fortunate even when I have setbacks in my life. Just imagine how many people on earth would love to have your problems. In America, we have the term "First World Problem." If you are getting upset because you can't get a PlayStation 5 this year, that is a first world problem. Think about those people who struggle to find food and water - every day. I am incredibly fortunate, and thus, I'm extremely thankful.

So, as we head into a new year, let's try to be a little more optimistic. Let's try to look forward and not to the past. Finally, let's pray that things get better for us individually and the world collectively. 

What are some tips that you use to be optimistic?  Leave a comment below!

Be blessed,

Jackie W.