Optimism

The optimism of others is good for me. My own optimism must be as good for me as it is for others too. It is an attitude with a hopeful outlook on life. It imagines the possibilities that many of us walk by on a daily basis.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines optimism as having hopefulness and confidence about the future or successful outcome of something; a tendency to take a favorable or hopeful view. The word is originally derived from the Latin optimum, meaning best. Unlike optimal thinking, which is realistic in nature, being optimistic, in the typical sense of the word, ultimately means one expects the best possible outcome from any given situation. This is usually referred to in psychology as dispositional optimism. Researchers sometimes operationalize the term differently depending on their research, however. For example, Martin Seligman and his fellow researchers define it in terms of explanatory style, which is based on the way one explains life events.

Sourced from: List of Values

Generally, I am a tenacious tart and can handle the school of hard knocks with a “float-like-a-butterfly, sting-like-a-bee attitude (thank you Mohammed Ali). My parents were optimistic souls and that has flowed through our DNA and on to our children. There is not a Pollyanna amongst us but we tend to find the good in situations.

P.S.: Did you know that bananas passed their best by date make the tastiest banana cakes?

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This month I am participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge to write something related to each letter of the alphabet. We post for six days of hte week leaving Sunday free to rest or catch up with bloggers and their contributions. You can find out more here.

11 thoughts on “Optimism

  1. I’ve always been more of a pessimist. Would like to figure out how to change my attitude since I believe Nilanjana is probably right and optimists have more fun. Can’t change anything anyway.

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  2. ..a pessimist is more often correct, but the optimist has more fun, and neither can stop the march of events…reminded of this quote by your post.. I’d rather be an optimist than a pessimist and have more fun šŸ™‚

    Nilanjana.
    Madly-in-Verse

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  3. Being a naturally practical person, optimism is something I actual work towards rather than something that comes naturally. The fact that the word that popped in my head today for O was obstacle rather than optimism just goes to prove that šŸ™‚
    O..for Overcoming Obstacles

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    • Identifying obstacles is a practical element of problem solving and then identifying how to overcome them sounds like you figure there is at least some hope to getting to the other side. I can tend to view everything from an optimistic perspective and can come unstuck when I least expect it. šŸ™‚ Linda

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  4. I tend to fall towards the line of eternal optimist; except where my team Tottenham are concerned – then I’m a bit morecof a realist.

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  5. Optimism definitely is a great trait to possess. Surrounding oneself with optimistic people also builds one spirit and positive outlook of the future. Hope you have a great week!

    Ann, A to Z Challenge Participant
    Harvest Moon by Hand ā€“ a blog about homeschooling, crafting, cooking, and nature
    http://harvestmoonbyhand.blogspot.com/2017/04/ocean-life-oregon-trail-and-owls.html“> Ocean Life, Oregon Trail, and Owls

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