Dr. Swisher, How can we retain Optimism in the midst of life’s circumstances? Angelina, Toledo

Dr. Swisher, How can we retain Optimism in the midst of life’s circumstances? Angelina. Toledo

As in anything in life, Angelina we have choices.… Options that lead to opportunities each new day. It has always made sense to me that if we have a choice why not accentuate the positive, err on the hopeful, skew to the more joyful, sunny side of the street.

The concept of optimism comes from the Latin optimum meaning best.  Being optimistic, is defined as expecting the best possible outcome from any giving situation.  In Psychology this is referred to as dispensational optimism.  It this reflects the belief that future conditions will work out for the best   For this reason it is seen as a trait that fosters resilience in the midst of stress.

One of the earliest forms of this theme was Socrates theory of moral intellectualism, which forms part of his enlightenment model through the process of self-improvement which has been operational for approximately 2,500 years.

Four hundred years later Jesus Christ brought in the ultimate optimism by proclaiming that “God loves us as His friends and therefore we all have the possibility to elevate to a new place of higher living and service.”  Jesus proclaimed “I have come that your joy may be full.”  This is they key….being aware of the joy that is perpetually available should we decide to employ it.

I overheard a phone conversation with my mother Barbara as she was encouraging my 92 year old Aunt Colene last week who is recovering from a fall. My Aunt was saying “We can’t always change circumstances as we might want. But we can make the most of them and not give up.”

Proclaim with me “When faced with a mountain I will not quit! I will climb over, tunnel underneath, find a way through or simply stay and reshape it into a gold mine in Jesus’ Name.

We will see you in Church this morning as together we rise in Hope and Optimism.