I was voted “Most Optimistic” of my Senior Class. I was not really proud of this…I didn’t even understand why my peers considered me an optimist. I doubted myself and I come from a long line of worriers (thanks Mom) so I worry - a lot. I was also voted “Best Dressed”. Now at 17, this was something to be proud of (thanks Mom)! I readily admit that over the years I’ve found my fair share of happiness in shopping. I’m not so proud to admit that I’ve continued to downplay my optimism - mainly because “seeing the bright side” isn’t usually the popular view, especially given my current status - leaving my high paying corporate job in the worst economy in decades.
Then I read this, “Optimism isn’t about denying reality; it’s about creating a better reality than you’re facing” and realized it’s about taking action. Maybe my classmates were on to something, because this is how I’ve lived my life.
Optimism has given me the courage to make decisions that aren’t always popular or understood. It’s what led me to go to a college where I didn’t know anyone - and ended up meeting my very best friends. It encouraged me to move to California which after 20 years I still consider paradise… to not marry my college boyfriend of 9 years even after he finally proposed… to start over in a new career making an hourly wage when my friends were making so much more… to “try running” and completing 6 marathons… to “try yoga” and finding my rock… to love someone but know when to let them go… to take some time to consider your options… to be OK not knowing what the future holds… Optimism is more than seeing the bright side. It’s about digging deep and listening within. It’s having faith in yourself and trusting your judgement.
While I’d still love to be considered “Best Dressed”, I’m going to put more energy into my ability to see the bright side and maybe pay more attention to others’ opinions of me - they just might recognize something I’m not quite ready to see.
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