It’s interesting how two people can approach similar circumstances with entirely different outlooks. The optimist tries to look on the bright side, believes that good days are ahead, and holds on to the hope that things will get better. The pessimist sees dark rain clouds even on sunny days and believes that the best has passed him by.
There’s no question whom we’d rather be around. As one commentator writes: “Optimists . . . make life better just by being part of it. They enjoy people, places and things. Their enthusiasm is contagious. . . . The greatest gift anyone can give another is a positive attitude, a smile and genuine interest. Some claim the only person you can change is yourself. Not true! You can and do change everyone with whom you come in contact. The question is whether you add to or subtract from the day’s experience.”1
Some people seem to have more hopeful dispositions, more natural cheerfulness, and more affirmative expectations. But most of us are not always the optimist or always the pessimist. There’s probably a little bit of both in all of us. We’d like to be the optimist more often, but depending on the day, the weather, the aches and pains, the disappointments and challenges we face, that can be harder than it sounds.
Even during our difficult moments, however, we can decide to be happier, more positive today than we may have been yesterday. Optimism is learned; we can practice and work at it until it becomes a habit. We can talk to ourselves and others in more upbeat ways, look for the bright side, and resolve to be more optimistic. When we do, our optimism is a gift not only to ourselves but to everyone around us.
1 Don Gale, “Optimists Give Others More Than They Receive,” Deseret Morning News, Dec. 1, 2007, A13.
Program #4217
Musical Selections:
1. How Wonderous and Great
attr. Johann Michael Hayden; Sonos music
2. Unfold, Ye Portals
Charles Gounod; Public Domain
3. The Ash Grove (Organ solo)
Traditional Welsh folk songs, arr. John Longhurst; Jackman Music
4. As the Bridegroom to His Chosen
John Rutter; Oxford University Press
5. Spoken Word
6. Down to the River to Pray
American folk song; arr. Mack Wilberg; Oxford University Press
7. My God, My Portion, and My Love
American folk hymn, arr. Mack Wilberg; Oxford University Press