This Is Your Brain on Optimism

Scottacious made an amazing observation. I feel akin to the lady he has mentioned. I have suffered everything but the cancer, I suppose we can swap it out for Diabetes. I wrestle deeply within myself with depression which began about 7 years ago. But I seem to come in and out of feelings of hopelessness and optimism...and don't feel I know myself anymore, as I used to be consistenly optimistic....antidepressants and therapy help, being engaged with my church helps...but I wish I could trade my body in for a better model, as the depression has morphed into a state of it's own it seems. I want my health to improve, to move to the city of my dreams, to love again though my family is all gone, to prosper financially by my own hand...I reach out to accomplish but through it, I battle the great depression, it is a battle...we are warriors. MountnMermaid007

I think that even though our world is at war, there is poverty, terroism, etc...... it is also an amazing time to live. You have to focus on the positive, and not the negative....... and there are plenty of both. One of the happiest ladies I know has chronic fatigue, is battling cancer, has no family left, has no movey, her home is falling apart, she lives in utter poverty, yet she is upbeat, positive, loving, and very, very happy. If circumstances is what will dictate your positive outlook and happiness, then I humbly submit you will never be happy.

Positive thinking is a great concept, but really, in a world of war, poverty, politics, and every other downplay you can imagine, how is it imaginable that positive thinking is a way of life? Yes there are many days that we can say we have had memorable moments of happiness. Yes with most people good times out-weigh the bad ones. But to be perfectly honest, happiness and good fortune, are two things in life that aren't necessarily gained by positive thinking. In my opinion they are usually gaind by a pelethra of combinations of actions and emmotions combinations.

Am I happy? Do I try to think positively? My answer would be the same as most I suspect. Most of the time yes but not always.

But do I need someone to tell me hey think positive. No. Things get better or worse sometimes, not just because of what we are thinking. Having a loved one die, losing your job, or any other life changing tragic moment in life can not be made a good experience just because we think happy thought. Sometimes a happy thought isn't appropriate and sometimes they can be worse for a person. ie: You've just lost your life mate suddenly and a friend that has everything going for them comes to you and says:" It'll get better, just try and remember the happy times."

I'm just saying that there are times in one's life where no matter how much you or others believe you need to think positive......it's not an action that is a possibilty due to the gravity of the current situation.

Positive thinking is a great concept, but really, in a world of war, poverty, politics, and every other downplay you can imagine, how is it imaginable that positive thinking is a way of life? Yes there are many days that we can say we have had memorable moments of happiness. Yes with most people good times out-weigh the bad ones. But to be perfectly honest, happiness and good fortune, are two things in life that aren't necessarily gained by positive thinking. In my opinion they are usually gaind by a pelethra of combinations of actions and emmotions combinations.

Am I happy? Do I try to think positively? My answer would be the same as most I suspect. Most of the time yes but not always.

But do I need someone to tell me hey think positive. No. Things get better or worse sometimes, not just because of what we are thinking. Having a loved one die, losing your job, or any other life changing tragic moment in life can not be made a good experience just because we think happy thought. Sometimes a happy thought isn't appropriate and sometimes they can be worse for a person. ie: You've just lost your life mate suddenly and a friend that has everything going for them comes to you and says:" It'll get better, just try and remember the happy times."

I'm just saying that there are times in one's life where no matter how much you or others believe you need to think positive......it's not an action that is a possibilty due to the gravity of the current situation.

I was sure when I started to read this that the solution to a recent work initiative "bring an article to work day" that I could spin it in such as way that a positive outlook could help our team do business differntly and better. We are an audience readiness (training) technology team. It seems fairly obvious why that as consultants we better project positive images. What do you think some benefit sof a positivive and optimistic attitued is when trying to bring new technology into an organization are? Examples would be great! I usually get great ideas from others. Which means I represent the thinking of the masses not just myself. Also, why do all of the work yourself when you can harnes the energy of others. Not that is optimism. Gina

Being positive in todays world is an absolute must.I am very and have always been very positive and install it in my children too.One can handle worst stuff with an open positive mind rather than a pessimistic attitude.Life is full of surprises we have to deal with it so why not in a positive manner.

I super psychologist can fix your life up just brilliantly.

I like cognitive therapy for those of us who need help getting to the positive viewpoint of life. I like a classroom setting with a teacher/therapist. Worked for me. Not perfect but with hard work will change your life forever. The "Brief Therapy" that i went thru was cheap and fast. Therapist was out to help me, not get rich..

As an entrpreneur I am rooted in postiive thinking. I fell grateful for what I have each day. I focus on what I want. VIsualize----> Materialzie. As many have learned in The Secret- The world is made up of ENERGY. Keeping Positive Energy at the forefront of our minds and spirit can yield miricles. Reggae Music, at least the Foundation of Reggae Music often highlights some of these same principles.

I think that positive thinking can be learned thru cognitive therapy whereby you are taught in a classroom setting how to replace irrational thinking by rational thinking. It worked for me and although it isnt perfect, with hard work it is rewarding.

The author shoud contact and discuss the power of positivity and determination with Jothy Rosenberg of Auburndale MA.
He was given 6 weeks to live after cancers that took his leg and lung 30 years ago. He is a very successful entranpaneur, start up co. president fund raiser and was recently featured ion the Today Show while riding in the PAN -MASS Challenge . Imagine being passed on a bycycle by a guy wuth one leg on a hundred mile bike ride.