Optimistic Belief

Titled "One in a sea of many..."

"I'm an optimist, but an optimist who carries a raincoat." -Harold Wilson

From Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Main Entry: op·ti·mism
Pronunciation: \ˈäp-tə-ˌmi-zəm\
Function: noun
Etymology: French optimisme, from Latin optimum, noun, best, from neuter of optimus best; akin to Latin ops power — more at opulent.
Date: 1759
1 : a doctrine that this world is the best possible world.
2 : an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome.

It seems to be the 'half glass empty or half full' argument when talking about optimism or pessimism. I happen to be more optimistic in most things that I do. Although I wrap it in common sense, knowing when an outcome isn't 'in the cards.' Interestingly enough, being optimistic and not achieving what was first sought has placed me in a position to achieve other unexpected things.

Can being more positive, more optimistic about things impact your life? In an article by Anne Bradley, she states the following the nine benefits.

BENEFITS of OPTIMISM that You Can Have in Your Life

1. Achieve more in any task or goal
2. Higher level of Contentment and Life Satisfaction
3. Better Health
4. More Friends
5. Continued Optimistic Outlook
6. "Life is Good"
7. Feeling of Control over Life
8. Handle Life's Big and Small Problems Better
9. Easier to make decisions without anxiety

Are all of the above guaranteed? Absolutely not, even the pessimistic possibilities in life are not guaranteed to happen to you. So why spend your life worrying about what could go wrong? Mix in the idea that things can go right in your life. Believe in goodness because it happens a lot more then you give it credit for happening.

Mothers Day

Elizabeth Nourse, 1860-1938, artist.

“It's a beautiful thought (Mother's Day), but it's somebody with a hurting conscience that thought of the idea.” -Will Rogers

This Sunday is Mother's Day here in the U.S. Other countries celebrate on various days, but for us, it comes this year on May 11th. A chance to celebrate those which raise and nurture us in life.

A mother mends the scraped knee, consoles you after that first heart break and shares with you the history of your life and those before you. Mothers come in all different shapes, sizes and ages. Yet all come with a very big heart for their children.

Take the opportunity this weekend to visit, call or send a nice card to your mother. Take the opportunity to say thank you and "I love you". Then remember how good it felt and say it more often then just one time a year.

We Overcome Willingly

It was a great weekend as my wife and I went on a Couple's Journey. Sort of a "boot camp, reconnect, push yourself beyond what you think you can accomplish" type of weekend. We might be a little sore physically but mentally it feels great.

On Saturday night, I said to the nearly 40 couples attending that I have a great amount of stories to write. Acts of pushing beyond, stories of overcoming fears and tales of finding out more about each other.

I watched people do extraordinary things, watched my wife do amazing things and even found myself pushing past limits I thought I had. It was a WOW (We Overcome Willingly) type of weekend. When we allow ourselves to willingly push beyond our fear and self-imposed limits, greater things happen.

There will be more stories to tell, but to all that attended, the instructors and my wife; thank you!

“To overcome difficulties is to experience the full delight of existence.” -Arthur Schopenhauer

Journey To Find

“When we are sure that we are on the right road there is no need to plan our journey too far ahead. No need to burden ourselves with doubts and fears as to the obstacles that may bar our progress. We cannot take more than one step at a time.” -Orison Swett Marden


When we embark on a new opportunity or change in our life, the path may look dark and lonesome. But it is a path of discovery and the wonders you may find are simply hidden along the way.

This weekend I take a journey with my wife and thirty seven other couples on a trip to find what is hidden. Hidden inside each of us and hidden in our future. I look forward to the journey and hope that you find enjoyment in yours.