In a recent discussion with Rotarians on the possibility of a vaccine for COVID-19, someone remarked to me “my you are an optimist,” and I’m  pretty certain it wasn’t meant as a compliment (even though my remark had some scientific basis).  I answered, indeed I am.  With all of the negatives we hear in the news everyday, we need to try to focus on the positives and there are many out there!  Here is what the Dalai Lama has to say about Optimism:

….”Optimism is certainly an innate attitude to some extent but at the same time, it is something that you do with experience. Maybe, your skills enhance when you are exposed to the outer world. Optimism is a mental attitude where you do not only think about the present but at the same time, you tend to remain bothered about the future as well.

An optimistic person will have a rational mindset towards anything and everything that he or she sees around. In short, ‘optimism’ is about focusing on the good. An optimistic person will always try to find positive things in almost everything that he sees around! It’s not just that they aren’t able to find the negative things, but they prefer focusing more on the better side. These kinds of people will usually not lose hope in any difficult situation, but they would rather try finding ways to resolve the issue. Optimistic people usually have the guts to accept rejections and criticism in a more creative manner. They try seeing things beyond what they are! Of course, you get a better feeling altogether.

These kinds of people try to approach repulsive attitudes in a more positive way and that’s something that they enjoy every moment of life.  They do not prefer to suffer from depression instead, they are the ones who take things in a sporting way. Optimistic people greet life’s situations with a smile on their faces and thus, do not allow them to be the reasons for their stress or sorrow. They truly believe the fact that life happens for good, instead of worrying about the worst that may happen someday. Certainly, an optimistic attitude will make you feel better as you are now ready to accept things just by the way they are! You are away from all kinds of negativity. It even promotes self-respect in oneself and you are set to improve yourself every single day. You, no longer keep on blaming yourself for something that didn’t happen. Instead, you try figuring out things in a more positive manner.

Optimistic people know the tricks of balancing personal and professional lives together. People who think good and have a positive attitude towards their job are sure to witness success with flying colors and that is what actually happens!”……………………

And who can argue with the Dalai Lama??!!

Best Regards to all,

Tom Gilmour