Serial Optimist

op·ti·mist

ˈäptəməst/

noun

1. 1. 

   a person who tends to be hopeful and confident about the future or the success of something.

   "only an eternal optimist could expect success"
2. 2. 

   PHILOSOPHY

   a person who believes that this world is the best of all possible worlds or that good must ultimately prevail over evil.

I am a serial optimist. I can't help myself. Like the little dog who gets kicked and keeps coming back for more, I will always expect the best, no matter how many times I'm burned. I have to. It's ingrained in every fiber of my being.

Once, after a particularly hurtful disappointment, a very close friend asked me, "Why?" She explained that she prefers to always expect the worst so that she will be pleasantly surprised sometimes. People intentionally try not to get their hopes up. But I see it differently.

I would much rather live expecting the best out of people and situations and be let down from time to time than live in a constant state of disappointment waiting for someone or something to show me some good in the world. And, it's good for your health! Don't believe me? Just google "Health Benefits of Optimism" and take a look for yourself. Every heard of visualizing your goal? People who envision a positive outcome are more likely to achieve a positive outcome. That's optimism!

So today, even in the uncertainty and extreme posts my far left and far right friends are posting on social media, I chose to be optimistic. Regardless of my (or your) attitude today, the United States will have a new President this morning. Doomsday posts and comments about how embarrassed you are to be an American will not change that. What will these posts accomplish? Encouraging others to be pessimistic? Attempting to knock someone down who is being optimistic?

Instead, I encourage you to do something kind today. Do it for someone you know, or a total stranger. Do it to set an example for the younger generation or just to make yourself feel better. It doesn't matter how or why, but if we all place the energy caused by our pent up emotions, insecurities, and uncertainties into something positive, today will be a good day.

And, say a prayer. Pray for the new administration: for wisdom and guidance. Pray for the thousands protesting this weekend: that there would be no violence, that everyone would be safe and respectful. Pray for the relationships in our country that have been fractured by this election year: for restoration, forgiveness, and love. Pray for yourself: that you would not fall victim to negativity and that you would be the change you wish to see. Pray for optimism in America.