On optimism

I'm not smiling today. No reason, really. I just woke up this morning and didn't feel that happy. Maybe because I had a bad dream, or a bad night of sleeplessness, or maybe it's because Mercury is in retrograde; whatever that means!

Some days are like this. They just are. As a mental health professional and motivation adjunct I know all about the tools I could employ in order to lift my spirits. I even know that the research shows most of these tools actually work; but I don't care much about any of that today. Today I just feel like being, whatever. I want to move more slowly, talk to fewer people, and get less done. I want to take a nap.

Tomorrow will be a new day and I'm certain that I'll be back to my usual smiling, enthusiastic self. That's the thing about optimists; when things go wrong, we view them as not our fault, temporary, and situational. So when we optimists have a bad day, we're optimistic that it is just that; one bad day.

To find out if you are an optimist go take this survey: Optimism Test

If you do not have what we call an "optimistic explanatory style, well don't worry. You can learn how to become an optimist: step one: read "Learned Optimism" by Martin Seligman, step two: call me.

Hope your day is going well and that you are happy, or not.

Comments

[Noah C. Buck]

When I read over this posting it struck a strong chord of familiarity.
I love life and the people and experiences that compose it and yet I still find myself having the occasional "off day" during which I must find contentment in just being.

I have the French verb "etre" tattooed on my left tricep.
It's the infinitive for "To Be, Being" and it's a clever reminder to myself and those who understand its significance to know that happiness is about just existing, just being.

Cheers.

[LauraLee]

Thank you for your nice post Noah!