How To Rebuild Optimism by Suzanne Scheideker Cook
One of my favorite quotes is by Marian Keyes who said, “Optimism can be relearnt.” Marian Keyes is considered one of the greatest Irish writers of all time. She has also struggled with anxiety, clinical depression, and alcoholism which illustrates that optimism is more than spouting platitudes. Optimism is an attribute that is cultivated and continually practiced. When darkness strikes in life, optimism is relearnt one step at a time.
When I was in my late twenties, I was diagnosed with an aggressive melanoma. The prognosis was bleak, and I was told by doctors that I would most likely lose my right leg to cancer. Living to see 30 was going to be a miracle that doctors were not going to promise me. After the anger, and the tears, my battle began in earnest. The lessons we learn during the toughest times of our lives are meant to be shared with others fighting their own darkness. Here are some lessons that I learned during one of my periods of darkness:
Life can have long, dark tunnels that twist and turn. Sometimes, it seems like the tunnel you are in has no end. You must persevere and continue through the tunnel because the light is waiting for you when you come out of it.
When you are in a dark place, find someone who is sincerely joy-filled to spend time with and watch how he or she lives life. Avoid anything or anyone who is negative.
Worry breeds dread, which turns into fear. Once you are filled with fear, it is hard to move forward. Think of worry as one cloud in the sky that turns into more clouds, and as more clouds appear, there is less and less blue sky and sunshine. So, when you start to worry, journal your emotions, go for a walk, do anything except worry.
Sometimes, we are meant to go through a challenging experience to learn a lesson which is hard to accept. Look for and learn the lesson.
The key to living life with optimism is not about having a perfect life untouched by challenges or sadness. It is about being able to appreciate miracles like being granted a new morning in which you can start over and be anything and anybody you want to be. The only thing that stands in your way is you.
As Jennifer Lopez, one of my real-life heroines says, “Sometimes you have to explore the darkness to get to the light and get back to who you are.”
This Week’s Challenge: Greet everyone you meet with a smile whether you see them in person or online.
