The Optimist's Guide Book
You cultivate this belief system by making time for the inner work. Without it, the path will seem cluttered with many obstacles. You have access to spiritual practices and mental disciplines that will support you in integrating more empowering beliefs and attitudes into your way of being.
Possibilities #192
May 2019
The Optimist's Guide Book
"What day is it?" asked Pooh
"It's today," squeaked Piglet
"My favorite day," said Pooh.
--A.A. Milne
Perhaps, more than a few times, you've pondered whether your cup is half full or half empty.
I know I have. More often than not, I come down on the half full side, sometimes even seeing my cup brimming over. That doesn't mean I don't have my share of things that concern me but I've gotten good at seeing the bright side.
It hasn't happened over night, but an evolutionary process. --what I use to obsess about has been tamed somewhat and now I think of those situations as concerns, rather than worries or obsessions.
It's also true that several times I've overestimated possibilities in my life, only to be disappointed. But that disappointment only hangs around for a short while until I figure out my next plan.
Lets get in the mind of the optimist to better understand his mindset. Here is what he believes:
Things happen for a reason. You might be disappointed at times, but some things just aren't meant to be.
When one door closes, walk through the one that's open.
Nothing stays the same. On many levels, our lives are constantly changing. You can react to these changes or embrace them.
You embrace these changes by shifting your attitude. Your attitude determines what you believe and how you feel--and is a belief system that you cultivate.
You cultivate this belief system by making time for the inner work. Without it, the path will seem cluttered with many obstacles. You have access to spiritual practices and mental disciplines that will support you in integrating more empowering beliefs and attitudes into your way of being.
Meditation, which connects you to your center and all that is, is one of these practices. Expressing gratitude and practicing forgiveness are also essential tools in helping you make this shift. Asking yourself. what the highlight of your day might be, has been a transformative practice for myself and others.
There is always a highlight of the day. It might be a little thing. Start noticing these treasures. It's the little things that make the biggest difference in your life.
There are no guarantees in life. You can't avoid pain in this life. No one gets a free pass. Even staying in your comfort zone and playing it safe won't protect you at times. By facing your pain, your capacity to experience joy and happiness is expanded.
You're human, not perfect. No matter how careful you are, you're going to make mistakes. You can't avoid them. They're part of the journey. If you always knew what was next, much of the adventure and excitement of life would be missing.
Embrace the great mystery. There is an invisible web, a higher power beyond time and space, that connects more than you realize. When you look back at your life, you'll see that events that at one time seemed random, are all interconnected. And when you ponder the future, the mysterious unknown, the truth is that you don't know how your life is going to unfold.
So you might as well go for what your heart desires. If you aren't sure what that is, think about what makes you feel most alive. And as your light shines brightly, you'll become a beacon of possibility for others. Then you will discover that...
You are not alone. There will always be someone or something to guide you--perhaps it is your feeling connected to all that is and ever was. Be open to the signs or signals that are calling you. They might look different than what you expected. One more thing...
Your enjoyment and appreciation of life is not dependent on what might happen in the future. It's a reflection of a life decision that you make over and over again-to be happy and to enjoy life in this moment. And you notice that you:
Smile and laugh more. And don't forget to
ENJOY THE JOURNEY
Thank you for being part of the Inspire Possibility Community during these past years, and I hope you will encourage those in your circle to also become part of the Community. If you haven't done so already, become a fan of Inspire Possibility on Facebook.
You can also tune into the Inspire Possibility radio show on the BBS Network. The show is syndicated on most major podcasts. Take a Listen. There are over 200 conversations with some amazing people. You can subscribe to the show on ITunes or just go to the podcast app on your smart phone and search for the Inspire Possibility Show. Or even easier just google me and it will show up.
You know I love to hear from you. Feel free to share Possibilities with those in your circle. Until then,
Embrace this great mystery, this great adventure, called "Life."
Journey ON
Mark
I don't believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive. Joseph Campbell
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You can order your copy of Mark's new book, The Soul of Uncertainty, a Fable for our Times, by purchasing it through Amazon.
Mark Susnow, knows change. At the turn of the new millennium, he transitioned from a successful career as a trial attorney to what he does now as a life coach and strategist
and thought-leader inspiring others to believe in themselves.
He is passionate about life being an exciting journey of discovery. He integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation and playing music.
© Copyright 2005 Mark Susnow. All Rights Reserved.
