“Choose to be optimistic, it feels better.”
Dalai Lama
I try to remember the notion that we often get to choose how we react or respond to a situation. Oftentimes I forget, but when I can lift myself up and out, I am aware that how I choose to react does make a difference.
I like the simple reasoning of this quote - choosing optimism simply because it feels better. If one ever needed a more complex explanation I'm sure it exists; but this is a pretty powerful incentive I figure. Why choose pessimism when it generally makes you feel so bad?
Choosing optimism seems to me to be a bit like playing Pollyanna in a way - trying to find the up side, trying to be positive and trying to find the good in things. I think sometimes its also about being able to take the long view - how things might play out down the track, even tho they appear a bit difficult in the immediate future.
I can imagine the Dalai Lama playing that game - finding the positive and seeing things in a good light.
This image is from a sculpture near the Cathedral of St John the Divine in New York; no attribution available.
Dalai Lama
I try to remember the notion that we often get to choose how we react or respond to a situation. Oftentimes I forget, but when I can lift myself up and out, I am aware that how I choose to react does make a difference.
I like the simple reasoning of this quote - choosing optimism simply because it feels better. If one ever needed a more complex explanation I'm sure it exists; but this is a pretty powerful incentive I figure. Why choose pessimism when it generally makes you feel so bad?
Choosing optimism seems to me to be a bit like playing Pollyanna in a way - trying to find the up side, trying to be positive and trying to find the good in things. I think sometimes its also about being able to take the long view - how things might play out down the track, even tho they appear a bit difficult in the immediate future.
I can imagine the Dalai Lama playing that game - finding the positive and seeing things in a good light.
This image is from a sculpture near the Cathedral of St John the Divine in New York; no attribution available.
It sure does, Fiona. That's a beautiful sculpture.
ReplyDeleteSimple and true hey Jo - it sure does.
DeleteIt's a great quote. And one that works!!
ReplyDeleteHi Annie - I like these short and sweet ones that just nail it!
Deletesigh...... sometimes I find the other side wins.....
ReplyDeleteIt's a bit of a battle some days isn't it Ronnie - the grey and dark takeover and seem the only way...
DeleteIt really does. So often it is only afterwards that one can look back and see the gift.
ReplyDeleteI agree Robyn - often the long view is needed to see the gifts that came along - and so it sometimes helps if one knows that and can try to apply it to some tricky difficult times...sometimes you can, sometimes not. Go well.
DeleteHi Fiona,
ReplyDeleteGreat post that hits close to home. It also reminds me of that quote “Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.” I enjoy your blog very much! Judith
Thanks for your kind words Judith - and your great quote. I loved it and thougth about it a lot - it makes perfect sense does' it? Go well.
DeleteWell, I for one am not going to argue with the Dalai Lama. If ever there was a man who exudes good karma it has to be him.
ReplyDeleteHi Lesley - I agree - lucky I also think the quote is a good one!
Delete