Optimism

Pessimists blame every setback on their personal flaws, and feel nothing they could do can make it better. But there are things you can do, beginning with accenting your days with small pleasures. Take a walk in the park, spend some time on your favorite hobby, take time off to spend time with your children. Children are wonderful reminders of how playful and fun life should be. Realize that envy is a mental state with no payoff. It’s human nature to feel sure that others are happier than we are. But the better you know the people you envy you realize they have the same worries, hassles and sadnesses we all face. Cultivate optimism. Believing that you CAN change circumstances offsets sagging spirits. Optimism bumps your happiness into a higher range. Optimism can also be stimulated by reading. Articles or books about uplifting subjects can raise your spirits.

Source: "Secrets of Happiness," Daniel Goleman, Bottom Line Personal, Nov. 96

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