Thursday, September 13, 2012

Thursday Thoughts...

“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.

12 comments:

  1. It sure does, Fiona. That's a beautiful sculpture.

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  2. It's a great quote. And one that works!!

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    1. Hi Annie - I like these short and sweet ones that just nail it!

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  3. sigh...... sometimes I find the other side wins.....

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    1. It's a bit of a battle some days isn't it Ronnie - the grey and dark takeover and seem the only way...

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  4. It really does. So often it is only afterwards that one can look back and see the gift.

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    1. I 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.

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  5. Hi Fiona,
    Great 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

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    1. 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.

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  6. Well, 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.

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    1. Hi Lesley - I agree - lucky I also think the quote is a good one!

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I appreciate your thoughts and comments; thanks for taking the time.