September 21, 2015 • 52

3 Secrets of An Eternal Optimist

“The Window to Light” (Holland)

An optimist finds the good in any situation…even when it appears there is no good to be found.

Throughout my life, I have always maintained an optimistic approach. Even in my most melancholy, darkest moments, I have always managed to meander my way through those occasions by abiding by one simple truth –

— life is not always easy, but it is precious.

I say this not to pat myself on the back. (Well, maybe a little haha). But, honestly, being an optimist is not always easy. Oftentimes, when you are in a constant state of optimism, vandals will sneak into your life shrouded under the cloak of your rose-colored vision.

But…in the long run. I think having optimism – in a seemingly pessimistic world – is a healthy way of walking through life.

Many people will see only the negative in the world. An optimist will not turn a blind eye to the negative, but rather, they will look past it – with a view towards the next happy moment.

You don’t have to be a clueless, gullible buffoon to be an optimist. There is nothing wrong with seeking out the good in life, even when the good is hard to find.

Here are some common traits of optimists…

Hope

It’s not just a word, but a concept. A way of life.

For many people, hope eludes them. It doesn’t have to be that way, though. Dig deep down inside yourself and retrieve that childhood innocence you once possessed.

Sift through all the bulls**t that has left you with scar upon scar. Look in the mirror. And smile.

Make a conscious decision to not allow people and things to destroy your faith in the beauty that surrounds you. I constantly regroup, and think to myself “It will be better. I know it. Keep pushing forward.”

Hope is not easy. But, it is a necessity. Without hope. We are left with nothing but a shell of a soul. Embrace the life that is before you. Better days will come. They will.

Realism

This may appear strange. Realism and optimism. Aren’t they on two ends of the spectrum? Not really. Here’s why.

To have an optimistic approach to a situation is to also have a realistic approach. Basically, it works like this. You really want to achieve something in life. So, you put all your effort into that endeavor. Years go by. And nothing in that realm has been accomplished. You give up.

Now…if you want to approach this situation with optimism. Try this.

Set your expectations with clear, attainable goals. Realistic goals. You know who you are. Push yourself.

Yes.

But, don’t set goals that are not attainable. (Like, declaring you will learn to fly using your arms in the next two weeks.)

If you set your dreams to an attainable goal (even if it is lofty, and grand), you can maintain a realistic optimism that you will achieve your dream. Even if it takes 20 years to get there…you will get there.

Feel it. Work towards it. And it will happen (and maybe it will be disguised as something else.) Have an open mind and heart.

“Scenic Beauty” (California, USA)

Love

This one goes without saying. You gotta have love in your heart. For yourself. And for others.

This doesn’t mean you have to hug everyone, and walk around with a weird perma-smile. It just simply means…you have to be open to others. The more closed off you are from others, the more your love is buried beneath that hardened exterior.

Optimism and love are two peas in a pod. A healthy love for life, and all of its experiences, will open your heart up for a positive outlook.

Love yourself first. Open your mind to others’ points of view. Understand the world does not revolve around you and your so-called beliefs. Embrace the good in the world.

Optimism will surely follow.

P.S.

A friend of mine, Mitch Teemley, is an exceptionally talented storyteller and all-around nice guy. He hosts a blog – The Power of Story. A few months ago, he challenged me – in a nice way 🙂 – to write about what book or books changed my life, and why.

Well…Mitch…here you go: (these are all books that I read as a kid or teenager)

Siddhartha (Hermann Hesse) – amazing story. It forever changed the why I saw life. In a good way.

The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger) – spoke to me like no other book had.

Lord of the Flies (William Golding) – shook my young mind to the core. Opened my eyes to the potential dark side of human nature.

Categories: Ideas, Inspiration

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52 replies »

  6. Hi Kevin! I love the post! It’s very inspiring. I’m an optimist also, and you’re right, there are many forces working against those of us that choose to see the good things in life and not dwell on the bad. One thing I’ve noticed about some pessimistic people is that they don’t like positive people and they try hard to bring them down. I try to stay away from people like that. I enjoyed your post and the pictures are great too. 😀 Have a happy Monday!

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    • Hi Vashti!! You are so right about pessimistic people. Don’t get me wrong, I am definitely guilty of doing that sometimes as well. But, more often than not, I try to bring a positive influence to any situation. Thanks for the kind words, and have a wonderful day!

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  8. Hi Kevin (and Ellen),

    I always love to read your work. This one in particular holds a special place. We often dwell on the negatives in our lives and forget to be thankful for the simple things – air in our lungs, ability to see, walk, think, etc. If we keep things simple, more often than not, we will find joy in all that we do. Without bad days, we wouldn’t know the meaning of a good day. :o)

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    • Hi Robert! Great to hear from you. Wow. Thanks for saying such nice things. I’m the lucky one…to have such great people in my life. And of course to have an amazing wife and unbelievablely adorable daughter!

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  15. Could not agree more, Kevin! Faith is a powerful motivator. Faith in yourself. Faith things will improve. Faith that you’re on the right path. And celebrate the small victories along the way toward your big dream. Keep the faith, my friend. Fabulous post as always!

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  18. Thanks Kevin for the uplift! Love and appreciate your work! Blessings, Barbara xxxxx
    PS. Why is a frog so happy? Because he eats whatever ‘bugs’ him….Ha Ha! This joke came from my granddaughter! Have a great week!

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  19. I liked this a lot. As you say, it’s one thing to be optimistic, but you also have to be realistic.
    And when you hit a hiccup along the way, sing, “Always look on the bright side of life” and then you can’t help but smile! 🙂

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  22. Hi Kevin, love the pictures, and thanks for the wise words! Not having met you in person before, I can tell you’re an optimist. 😉
    Btw, The Catcher in the Rye and Lord of the Flies are two of my favorite books. I haven’t read Siddhartha yet, but I intend to someday!

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    • Hi Angie! Thanks for the kind words. Yeah, those book really resonated with me. I try my best to be an optimist. Sometimes, it ain’t easy. That’s for sure. You seem like a positive person as well! Glad to connect with you over this digital medium. Hope you are having a terrific day!

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      • No problem. Being positive isn’t always easy, but I believe it’s a must to encompass happiness in our lives. Glad to connect with you, too! 😉 My Monday’s good so far. Hope your is too!

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  23. Liked this blog A LOT … loved the blend of positivity but acknowledgement of reality. I’m going to print this one out and keep it in my office. Great job!

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