I’m often asked: Why are you so optimistic? My answer is simple: I can’t figure out why anyone would want to be a pessimist!

Since none of us can predict the future, why would I want to believe that setbacks are permanent?

Why wouldn’t I instead choose to reframe each issue that arises as contained, isolated and specific to the situation versus pervasive and somehow connected to every aspect of my life, my being or all my relationships?

Why would I want to view any occurrences as something personally directed at me? Isn’t it better to identify the things over which I have no control and accept them as such, vs. believing there is some power over me, causing events that I dislike to disrupt my life?

Why would I want to take every event personally and make it an emotional affront to my existence? Wouldn’t it be more pleasant to live in a way where I choose to keep my mind calm and peaceful? Striving for clear and constructive thoughts that are under my control vs. giving that authority to others and thus potentially flipping my moods all over the place because of their actions?

My optimism allows me to influence my environment in positive ways. I am able to reduce the anger, frustrations, distractions and discontent. I view crappy things that happen as external to me, knowing they are likely temporary in nature. I assess whether I could have altered the result. If yes, I change my actions going forward. If not, I release the event or thought, refusing to allow a pervasive negative feeling to impact my overall sense of self. 

My optimism is real. It’s a daily practice. I know I cannot control all events and people, but I’m in charge of my response to everything and everyone. 

 I’m @DianGriesel aka a perception analyst & strategist; creative attitude disrupter & adjuster; author of The Silver Disobedience Playbook & TurboCharged: The Silver Disobedience Edition; and the blogger & model known as @SilverDisobedience  More info on my websites (search my name) and at Wilhelmina Models. Silver Disobedience® is a Registered Trademark.