New Year, New Optimism!
Photo by Ian Taylor on Unsplash
Here’s to hoping for a better year
The New Year has always been a time that inspires hope and new beginnings. After all, it’s in the name “new” year. Some create goals to accomplish for the year or release old habits. No matter what you choose to pursue, I encourage you to choose optimism.
We’ve had a rough couple of years dealing with a pandemic that has no end in sight, but hope is necessary for us to live fulfilling lives. But what do you do when it feels like all hope is lost? Let’s discuss.
How to be optimistic
First, it’s essential to understand what optimism is. According to psychologytoday.com, “…optimism reflects the belief that the outcomes of events or experiences will generally be positive.” This is extremely important to understand and believe in times of despair.
There’s a pressure that some seem to feel when the new year approaches, and with all that has been going on, I think it’s time to relinquish control and focus on what you can manage. It requires pivoting and recognizing when you need help, support, and a break.
You’re more likely to remain hopeful by prioritizing what you can manage. Feelings of being overwhelmed tend to cease. Taking things one day at a time is critical.
The unexpected will occur as it often does in life, but you’re better equipped to handle it by being hopeful. Taking a moment to feel your feelings and execute a plan will save you from the distress that coincides with the unknown.
Lastly, Let go of what others think about you. It’s okay to take your time setting goals the same way that it’s okay to feel helpless sometimes. Living life at your pace and being hopeful will result in you ending up exactly where you’re supposed to be.
So remember, we are often forced to hope for better days in times of need, and now is the time to keep an open mind and reflect. In the words of my great grandmother, “trouble don’t last always.”