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Is it Realistic to be Optimistic?
Is there any way to be realistic and optimistic at the same time?
Let’s face it, in the current climate of our society, it is extremely difficult to be optimistic.
Spend any time whatsoever online and you will be bombarded by negativity. News of awful, infuriating, upsetting, sad, sorry, and distressing matters are everywhere. In the face of all of that, how can anyone be optimistic about anything?
Like most things in life, this is a choice. You can choose a way to be optimistic while maintaining realism. Optimism isn’t just some pie-in-the-sky, rose-colored glasses notion. Optimism is seeing potential, possibility, and proactive ways to effect change.
How can you remain optimistic while still being realistic? Mindfulness.
Be mindful of what you are thinking
The first step is to be mindful of what you are thinking about. Not just considering and moving to, yeah, yeah, I know what’s going on — but really seeing what is inside your own head.
You might notice that you are not entirely conscious of what you are thinking about. Yes, everyone is thinking all the time, but a great deal of that is on a subconscious level. Because you have things to do, places to go, and people to see, you might shunt consciously…
