I totally agree, optimism is so important! Over the years I noticed that those things I was usually pessimistic about, either never turned out to be as bad as I thought, or they opened new doors that I never thought would exist and brought me happiness in the end. Of course it always depends on the circumstances, but often I simply stop worrying or feeling sad because I know that one day I will look back saying: “If this bad thing didn’t happen back then, I wouldn’t be in this good place right now.” I simply try to trust in this and so far it has always worked.
And I also have to share this quote with you (I don’t know from who), that I tell myself whenever I did something that I regret and start being pessimistic about: “Bad decisions make good stories!” 🙂 It helps me to keep my humor, which is also so important… because in the end life is a journey and we should go through it more lightly, without heavy luggage (like pessimism).

Franziska – Hahah, yes! We just have to replace the negative sayings we’ve drilled into our heads with positive ones (and when they’re funny – that’s an extra bonus :D). You’ve brought up another really important point… looking back, we realize that all those things that may have even appeared bad at the time actually lead to better and greater things. We just needed to take those necessary steps 🙂 Such a great addition to the conversation, thank you!

Lovely post Eva, I honestly think there is nothing worse than negative attitude and pessimism. I try and remove myself from that situation and look for the positive. In my early twenties I used to be so angry all the time, slowly since being with my partner who always sees things positively I approach situations with a more optimistic approach 🙂

I e always been a glass is half full kind of girl- I always joke that I’m not very grounded in reality, but in truth I think that’s one of my better qualities:) hope you find lots of happiness with you new outlook!

http://www.hollandsreverie.blogspot.com

I think it was a gradual realization for me too. I mean, it’s one of those things that have always been in the back of my mind, but sometimes it takes you a while to truly believe in something, it has to become true to YOU. With all my health struggles in the past two years, with the inexplicable chronic fatigue that was having a negative impact on everything, this finally became true to me when I decided I was just going to find a way to get better and feel better and take control of my body and my life again. Almost a year later, and I am happier and more serene than I have been in a long time.
Sorry, a bit of a rant there! But I truly believe this quote you shared to be the absolute truth!

I couldn’t agree with this post more. I always try my best to be optimistic. I think an example I can give is when I play volleyball. When we’re losing it’s so easy for my team to be down in the dumps. But I always try to be as optimistic as possible because it’s not going to hurt to try and be positive. Loved this post, Eva.

Christina
http://www.cityloveee.blogspot.com

“I’m an optimist, but I’m an optimist who carries an umbrella.” (Harold Wilson) I think that describes my brand of optimism! 🙂 But I’m married to someone who is perpetually, unequivocally optimistic about everything. If he finds himself in the rain without an umbrella, he’s finds a way to enjoy the experience, is grateful that the plants are getting watered or our car is getting rinsed off or just happily starts looking for the rainbow he just knows will appear… and what’s not to love about someone with that sort of attitude, especially in adversity? (I think it says a lot that his favorite coffee mug says, “Life is all about how you handle Plan B.” 🙂

I’m not sure if, or how much, our attitudes influence events, but I’m confident they determine how we experience those events, and how we influence the experience of those around us. And that may be what really counts.

I’m loving this conversation and all that each one of you is bringing to it! Thank you!!

Hanh – That’s so good! I know many people feed of negativity and it’s sometimes a hard trap to get out of. How great that you have a partner that helps you keep up your optimism and positivity!

Chelsea – I often like to go there, too, haha!

Elisa – I completely agree with you! I had no idea of the struggles you’ve been through. I’m really happy to hear that you’ve been able to take the good out of those struggles and come out stronger and so positive! Thank you for sharing… big, big hug!

Christina – SO glad this post resonated with you. Great example… a game is meant to be fun so why get down about it? Thank you, again, for sharing my post with others 🙂

Laloofah – Haha, I’ve not heard that quote before. It’s so wonderful to hear about how optimistic and positive partners are among my readers! 🙂 I love your husband’s way of thinking… I think I could think more like that sometimes, too!

I am very, very, very bad at this. I have a bad attitude. I try to be positive, but it isn’t a natural state for me! I do feel like the more gloom and doom I am the more strongly I react to situations.

April – I grew out of a culture that is super pessimistic so it’s something I’ve been working on for years and continue to work on all the time. It’s possible! And so worth it 🙂

Oh what a good post!! Things always go better when you have a good optimistic attitude!