Optimism - I choose to make today a great day!

Optimism is a learned skill. It's a virtue and character strength that helps us to bounce back, see the good, think positively about ourselves and others, and look for the lessons and learning along the way.

There is so much around positive thinking because it's important. The brain is wired for a negativity bias, which means wired for threat to stay safe.  It's our mission to be able to train our brain in how to think and that's where growth mindset is helpful and choosing to practise optimism is a great place to build those strong foundations. 

Enjoy these connecting and empowering thoughts and ideas to practise choosing optimism everyday. 

Dream what you want to dream, go where you want to go be what you want to be,  because you only have one life and one chance to be who you want to be and do all the things you want to do.

Take the time to observe: observe yourself, the world around you, your friends and family. Everyday events provide us with so many little miracles that we can be thankful for.

Kiss your life.  Accept it, just as it is.  Today.  Now  - so that those moments of happiness you are waiting for don’t pass you by. - Janine Brown

Your choices can make a difference in the world—choose to make the most of situations regardless of whether you perceive them to be good or bad. Find meaning and purpose to what it means for you. You can create the story and the meaning you want to give to things. Your mindset is a powerful tool for choosing to shift the way you look at things.

Wake up in the morning with a smile on your face and a mantra on your lips ‘today is going to be a great day’.  Your child will be your best witness.

Don’t sweat the small stuff.  Life is too short to be choosing incidental experiences to govern how our day or in some cases life will end up.  Make the choice to let go of petty worries and save your energy for living in the now and appreciating what you do have.

Encouraging your child to let go of  upsets quickly can teach them the virtue of forgiveness and understanding.  Grudges can lead to negative thoughts and patterns.  Be a great role model and live life free of unnecessary burdens.

Phone a family member, or send them a card or home made gift from the heart.  Imagine the joy you will bring to their day when they receive your gift of thoughtfulness.  Give without any expectation other than creating a beautiful day filled with kind thoughts for others.

Cook your favourite meal, or be with your favourite person.  Don’t wait for a special occasion to create happiness.

If you want some extra motivation and creativity in choosing optimism go check out the Harmony Cards for Kids and the people in their life. 

Yours in Harmony

Kerry

Author | Wellbeing Educator