People get optimism wrong.
I bet you’ve heard people say things like, Oh be optimistic - just be positive and everything will work out the way we want it to.
Or
So, you’re an optimist. How sweet. You do realize you are setting yourself up for disappointment?
Statements like these demean optimism.
Real optimism knows tough times happen and bad things happen to good people.
Real optimism does not give up even when the going gets tough.
Real optimism says There is a way and I will find the way.
Real optimism is not pie in the sky, glib, weak, foolish or naive.
Real optimism is functional, muscular, practical and visionary.
Real optimism is grit and grace and a determined, compassionate courage that invites you to adapt and grow even in adversity.
Real optimism is not proven wrong by catastrophe. It does not give in to despair.
Real optimism shines in Dr Kings’ arc of the moral universe bending toward justice and Lincoln’s better angels of our nature showing us the way when we are willing to listen.
Real optimism believes in the inherent good in all - even when we are behaving in violation of it - and calls that goodness forth.
Real optimism bears witness to injustice and horror, deeply grieves losses and nevertheless persists in believing that together we can create a better future.
Real optimism calls forth heroes in times of tragedy and creative solutions in times of need.
Real optimism is a worthy and powerful discipline to cultivate. It can grow, day by day, year by year, to become a fortifying strength within you and a living legacy you mobilize for your family and the world.
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I’d love to hear your thoughts:
What is real optimism to you?
What action or attitude does real optimism call you into today?
