How to Cultivate Optimism

Have you ever wondered how a person can be going through a rough
patch in their lives and still are happy?

It’s called optimism.  Some people can look on the bright side of things, no
matter what life throws at them.  They are the people that could drive you
insane because they never complain about anything. You see them
constantly complimenting people and reaching out to others, and in turn,
that benefits them both.  How so?  Reaching out to other people when you
are facing problems makes you forget what is going on in your life.  You are
no longer the center of attention.

Take a break from yourself.  Quit trying to figure everything out and stop
pretending that you have complete control over your life. It is time that you
raise your hands about your head and say, I give up. Give up, you say? 
Yes- take a mind break!  Focus on doing a kind deed for someone, help
someone with a project, or get involved with children. Children are great;
they are constantly seeking something new. You need to do that, too.  Get
out of your rut and jump in with both feet, just like a kid would.

This is how to cultivate optimism:

1. Surround yourself with a new environment and different tasks that will
challenge you mentally, as well as physically. Get your mind off the same
old problems.  Look at life in a different way.  If you find yourself going
around the same old mountain, day after day, that mountain is not going
away.  It’s time for a change. Go through that mountain by tackling a new
objective.

2. Go outside and observe the world. What do you see? Stop and really
look at your neighborhood, park, or right outside your window.  Grab a pen
or pencil and jot down what you see.

3.  Talk with people and see what new adventures they are taking.
Surround yourself with positive people; in time, their zest for life will rub off
on you.

4.  Register for a new class at your local school or recreation center. This
keeps your mind fresh and renewed.

5.  Volunteer at schools, hospitals, or libraries. Surrounding yourself with
new items forces your eyes and brain to look at different objects.  In turn,
your senses will be tuned in to your new environment.

As Dr. Jo Anne White, relationship, business and personal coach explains,
“Over time, your mind becomes more accustomed to elicit positive thoughts
because you have stretched it to comfortably receive them. Train your own
mind to be receptive to expect positive outcomes and your personal best.” 
You will be a new person, with optimism abounding, no matter what life
throws at you.  Today could be a day filled with challenges, excitement, and
a new adventures to enhance your life.