Episode 4: An introduction to realistic optimism

Letters to my kids: A suicide survivor's lessons and advice for life

An introduction to realistic optimism http://changingminds.org/explanations/preferences/optimism_pessimism.htm

Music: “Just A Blip” by Andy G. Cohen From the Free Music Archive Released under a Creative Commons Attribution International License

The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails. -William Arthur Ward-

- The world is generally split across optimists whom call themselves "being positive" and pessimists are generally sub-divided into people whom call themselves "realistic" and those whom can be best be politely described as "critical". - The truth is, that there are bad apples to both sides of the divide. Optimists assume that the best will happen or that they will be luckier than other people. They are hopeful, believing that good things can happen to them. - Pessimists expect the worst. They over-estimate risks, assuming that bad things will happen. Extreme pessimists expect the worst every time. They believe that good things only happen to other people. - In our previous podcast, we talked about being positive. Now, most people would assume that being positive equates to being optimistic, and pessimism being related to being negative. It's actually not that clear-cut. Positive thinking embraces possibilities and looks for solutions without the assumption that everything will automatically work. - SO what does this all mean to an individual? And why does it have to all be so confusing? - At the end of the day, it's just a label. Our outlook in life generally is shaped by our experiences growing up and as we go through life. - It's all about having a balanced outlook. - For me though, I chose to maintain a truthful; cleared-eye view of life, while keeping some optimism that is grounded and relatable. - In my advocacy for realistic optimism, here are some ways to encourage this viewpoint. Combine a positive attitude with honesty of both the challenges to be faced as well as an honest evaluation of where you are now. Don't have expectations and expect the unexpected. - Don't stress the small stuff. - As mentioned previously; don't take life so seriously. Life's much too short to be humor-less and if you can't laugh at your own self, how would you know what to laugh at in life? To make mistakes is human, to stumble is commonplace; to be able to laugh at yourself is maturity (William Arthur Ward). - More important than all of this though; is to love yourself. No matter what outlook you decide on, embrace yourself for who you are. After all; if you don't love yourself, how can you love other people?