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, so why would I want to believe that setbacks are permanent?
Why wouldn’t I believe that each challenge is contained, isolated and specific to the issue or situation versus pervasive and somehow connected to every aspect of my life or all my relationships?
Why would I want to view random 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?
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? Keeping my thoughts clear and constructively under my control vs. giving that authority to others and flipping 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 temporary, one-off and external to me. I assess whether I could have altered the result. If yes, I change my actions going forward. If not, I release it, refusing to allow a pervasive feeling to impact my overall sense of self.
My optimism is real. I know I cannot control all events and people, but I’m in charge of my response to everything and everyone.
I’m Dian Griesel, Ph.D. aka @SilverDisobedience I am a perception analyst, hypnotherapist, author of books and a creative who works both sides of the camera. For 30 years I have helped my clients to achieve greater understanding as to how perceptions impact everything we do whether personally or professionally. Text to book an appointment: 212-825-3210
I share inspiring and actionable ideas for free via my podcast, on my website: DianGriesel.com and also on my social media accounts which you might like to follow.
