"Keep on the Sunny Side"

According to our textbook, optimism " is an active priority of the person, not merely a reflex that prompts us to 'look on the sunny side.'"

Numerous studies have shown that optimists live longer. Other benefits include:

• Better health (less risk of chronic disease)
  
• Stronger immune system
• Better healing/recovery
  
• Better coping skills
• And more!
  

Are you an optimist? Some characteristics of optimistic people:

• See the good in situations
• Are less stressed--they cope pro-actively with challenges
• Possess the "3 C's of Hardiness": Commitment, Control, & Challenge
• Commitment--optimists don't give up. They are known for their perseverance.
  
• Control--optimists believe outcomes are in their control so they "put forth greater effort to attain the desired outcome."
• Challenge--optimists are not victimized by their circumstances.
• Expect things to go their way
• Focus on the things they have control of
• "Take reality into account but do everything possible with the reality they find."
• Approach the world in an active productive way
• Take better care of their health--Result: better health and longevity!

Children are generally optimistic, so we feel that pessimism is learned. How do we combat this in our own lives? Some suggestions from the book include:

• Be aware of your attitude
• Choose one area of your life in which to become more optimistic
• Set goals small enough to achieve quickly--pick a reward
• Seek out optimistic people
• Stay flexible

Once you've found some optimism of your own. Share it with others!! How to be an optimistic friend:

• Be consistent, positive, and responsive.
• Encourage not generalizing from specific failures. Instead see failure as a challenge to do better.
  
• Help them set realistic goals and encourage problem solving.
• Encourage humor as a way of coping.
• Challenge pessimistic views.
• Be a role model yourself of realistic optimism.

"...it is far better to pursue a remote and even unlikely goal than to deprive oneself of the forward motion that goals provide....Nothing I have learned is less theoretical than the way the entire world seems to open up when courage and determination are connected to truly important aims."--Norman Cousins

Enjoy the music--it is increasing your lifespan!