Speaking from a broad perspective, there are two mindsets. It’s optimism and pessimism. Optimism is seeing the good in the world, the good in yourself and in humanity. It’s changing the negative into a positive by finding meaning and purpose within the imperfections.
The one who is optimistic is less likely to have mental health challenges, because what is mental illness? It’s pessimism, bitterness and fear. Enough of these negative emotions, and you become depressed and anxious. Enough of these negative emotions, and you become overwhelmed, and you cannot manage it, which creates disease.
Mental illness can be described as not managing your mental health, or feeling powerless or not in control. If you were managing your mental health, you wouldn’t be mentally ill. Optimism makes the journey easier and swifter.
Optimism and faith go hand in hand. When we are truly optimistic, we have faith, and we can say when we have great faith, we are optimistic. Optimism is playing the best case scenario in your mind, while pessimism is replaying the worst case scenario.
Gratitude and appreciation is another form of optimism. When we are grateful and appreciative, we are optimistic. The key is to remain in this optimistic frame of mind as often as you can. You will fall from time to time, but that’s normal. It’s all part of being human. For when we master one challenge, another one is on the horizon waiting for us to grab a hold of, and conquer. That’s the process of life and our journey to personal growth.
True optimism says I forget and I forgive who’s done me wrong. True optimism says I let go of negative attachment or trauma. True optimism says I’m on this path for a reason, and it’s my choice to create as the deliberate creator I’m born to be.