Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Optimism


With all of the surrounding devastation and constant depressing news, I feel the need to escape and recharge my mental batteries.

Luckily, with the click of a mouse, I find myself knee-deep in a field of English Bluebells, gloriously waving around in the warmth of a Spring day.
A "happy place."

It's important to stay optimistic, and keep the "can do" spirit alive.

"Real optimism is aware of problems but recognizes solutions;
Knows about difficulties but believes they can be overcome;
Sees the negatives, but accentuates the positives;
Is exposed to the worst but expects the best;
Has reason to complain, but chooses to smile."

~William Arthur Ward

18 comments:

Barbara Anne said...

What a good attitude! It is important to choose wisely in reaction to such daunting circumstances. Bluebells certainly help!

The quotation is so apt.

Be safe! Hugs -

Anonymous said...

Yes, please do put the kettle on...I'll come and sit a spell with you.
Just wanted to pop in and say hello and say how sorry I am to read all that's happening over your way. Please stay safe!! Love reading your blog...have been following for some time just don't often take the time to comment. Again, please take care, hugs to you...until later...Vicki

Marilyn said...

Love the quotation and so needed to remember that. Hope it starts to dry out soon. take care and remember... the old stiff upper lip, and all that!!!
:)

DJan said...

I was just thinking myself about taking a break from the news to keep myself positive, and then you wrote this, with the great quote. Perfect. Thank you.

From the Old InkWell said...

Being from TN myself, I can so relate! I posted a similiar thought today. Have a dry week!

MadSnapper said...

thank you for the dose of optimism, we all need it for sure. with the news of floods and oil spills and mankinds deeds toward the human race, what could be better than a field of purple flowers. flowers make me happy

Pam said...

Great outlook, accentuate the positive! The bluebells are simply gorgeous!

matron said...

The bluebells are wonderful,I have always believed that this shade of blue is seen nowhere else,shame is they fade so quickly.
I think the quote,is very apt ,one I am going to apply to my self as I have problems to overcome at the moment.Nothing as serious or destructive such as you have to cope with,but the words are very wise indeed.
Hope the floods and storms have abated and that you are all safe.

Susan Freeman said...

I love that attitude. I know how difficult these past few days have been for you and your neighbors. I'm glad to hear that you are not only coping but keeping up your spirits.

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

Maura @ Kisiwa Creek Photography said...

Such a beautiful attitude and the words from W.A Ward are something we may all need to recall one day. I wish you the best Jo. This too shall pass. Take care. Maura

Stella Jones said...

Spoken like a true Brit!
Blessings, Star

Mage said...

I watched the news this morning with horror. Yes, I will keep everyone in my thoughts. Thanks for the note of optimisim and the bluebells to offer cheer.

Terry Paulson said...

Yes, put the kettle on! Love visiting your welcoming site. As a psychologist who just released my book, The Optimism Advantage, I was taken by your positive message on optimism.

Research has shown that Optimism is not motivation on hype or people in denial. It is people who have learned over time that they can handle the adversity they face. The more times they have overcome, the stronger their confidence that they will do it again. Whether in Tennessee or here in LA, we face adversity with the wisdom that we will persevere. I have a post on how to handle adversity on my Optimism Advantage Blog. I hope your readers can benefit. Thanks again for the beautiful images and kettle of joy your blog provides!

Peggy Montano & Paintings said...

Thanks for this post and the encouraging words. I took a break and went out to see my little flower garden and saw that the deep purple iris had bloomed.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Great post, Jo. It is important to have some optimism during 'trying' times like your area is going through. I still cannot get over all of the flooding there. It will take a long time to get things back to normal.

It's raining at the beach today--so this gives me an opportunity to catch up with some blogging, some reading and some SLEEPING.. ha ha (What a life!)

Hugs,
Betsy

Patsy said...

Optimism! something we must all have and will need to make it in the days to come.
Patsy

L. D. said...

This is all very nice. Keep calm and carry on as a blog friend of mine says. Be safe.

rjerdee said...

Way to keep your chin up! You are your own best cheer-er up-per!