Looking On The Bright Side

Mankind has strived for one single quality throughout the entire history of their existence. From the time of the first Olympics in ancient Athens, Greece, to just today when I made my way to the endless waters of Lake Michigan, humans are constantly striving to achieve happiness. And yet, so often we find ourselves falling short of this goal. It seems that every time we almost reach out and grasp a fulfilling fist of satisfaction, it slips through our fingers like grains of sand in a playful child’s hand on the beach. But thankfully, there is a complete and effective tonic to this syndrome of unsatisfaction. It is found in the most obvious places of life. Hidden in a child’s smile, it also peeks through in a proud mother’s statement of “a job well done.” Simply put, the magic cure to happiness is a genuinely optimistic attitude.

There are certain places where being optimistic is key. One such setting is the home. Situations constantly seem to present themselves to us there, whether we are made to pull the overflowing trash to the roadside, or made to balance the ominous checkbook. These situations seem to challenge our ability to respond and interact with the difficulties of life, and are supreme ways to put an optimistic attitude into exercise. Without a pure and positive attitude, one is downed by these bothersome tasks, but after the application of optimism, these responsibilities fade away as plain facts of life.

Also, let us remember that optimism is more than just overlooking small chores. It also deals deeply with large scale problems, including divorce and deaths in the family. These severe tragedies that often tear families apart can be soothed using a positive attitude. Often times we are encouraged by society to allow these disasters to be an excuse to give up on life. But rising above these problems is the very soul meaning of optimism. “Optimism is the cheerful frame of mind that enables a teakettle to sing, though in hot water up to its nose.” (Exist) This quote fully exemplifies the gist of what keeping an effective optimistic attitude means. Although the hot water of divorce or other great calamities may be up to your nose, singing during these trials makes all the difference in the fight for happiness. Optimism in the home is an elite ingredient in keeping one’s head on straight. Without it, happiness is simply not achievable.

I could safely say that everyone has encountered opposition at school or work. And to be honest, it truly brings us down. A dagger to the heart from a close friend, or the �pink slip” from the supervisor ultimately brings us down. To do stay positive during these circumstances, one must always remember, “If we hadn't had such a magnificent optimism to carry us through all these things, we wouldn't be here. We have survived it on our optimism.” (Exist) Staying positive during trials lends strength that before was hidden in shadows of pessimism. When optimism is achieved, great tragedies will be easily maneuvered and defeated. There honestly is something about a positive outlook that somehow