Do you believe in self-fulfilling prophecy?
There was a man on the world news a few nights ago who was a devout optimist. He refused to accept the bad news about the economy. He felt that believing the worst could make it come true, so he chose to believe the best and live his life accordingly.
If we expect the worst, we are likely to attract it. If we stay positive, we are likely to attract that--at least it improves our chances of success.
I think I've always been an optimist at heart. Oh, I may get down and allow negative thoughts to enter my mind occasionally (who doesn't) but I always seem to pull myself up rather quickly and embrace the positive once more. My folks always said, "It's hard to keep a good man down" and I think that's true for both women and men.
I have no idea why I started thinking about this idea today. Perhaps, it was the man on the news broadcast the other night that stuck in my mind. But whatever it was, I'm going to try to stay more positive. It's not only good for everyone around me, but for myself in terms of my general well-being and what we call "self-fulfilling prophecy".
***Are you a pessimist or an optimist....or are you a little of both?
25 comments:
I am always the optimist! I always try to put the best face on things and go with that. Yes, I get down sometimes, but usually bounce back pretty quickly. Luckily, I have a husband who is very supportive that way.
Pat- I think husbands and wives help to balance out each other's moods. Sometimes friends help in that way, too.
I think love and optimism is a choice we make moment by moment and it adds up to the total of who we are and what we gather from the universe.
I'm am optimist to a fault. Rose colored are my glasses ... and rarely do they dim. Hubby says he's a realist ... so we counter balance each other out.
Yes, I'm an optimist. My cup is always half full! However, I do like to moan, but every day there is something to be truly thankful for, isn't there.
Blessings, Star
Mrs. Mac- I want a pair of those rose colored glasses!! Are they genetic?
Star- You are soooo right about things to be thankful for. Sometimes it's just a matter of looking a little deeper.
This is so weird. This is basically what I was trying to say in my article today. Bringing yourself good luck or good fortune can be acquired through how you "think". I am a firm believer!!! Let's be optimistic together:-)
I like Cherokeefox's suggestion - Let's be optimistic together. What a nice trend to take hold. Why, I think you've started a little Optimism Club, Barbara :)
Cherokeefox- I just now went over and visited your blog. We're on the same track today!! Let's keep it up!!
Joanne- I think that club does exist here. My readers are an optimistic group. You are all just great!!
Hi, I was reading your blog about optimism and then I went to post my "Hope for Each Day" verse and it was on guess what? Here is the passage from today March 15th.
March 15
Joyous Optimism
My soul shall be joyful in the LORD.
PSALM 35:9
"When Jesus Christ is the source of our joy, no words can describe it. It is a joy "inexpressible and glorious" (1 Pet. 1:8, NIV). Christ is the answer to the sadness and discouragement, the discord and division in our world. He can take discouragement and despondence out of our lives and replace them with optimism and hope.
If our hearts have been attuned to God through an abiding faith in Christ, the result will be joyous optimism and good cheer. The reason? Because we know He loves us, and nothing "shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom. 8:39)
When our confidence is in Him, discouragement gets drowned out. May that be true in your life today"! -Billy Graham.
I am mostly an optomist and Bob also says he is a realist, I call it pessimist. We do balance each other quite well. I stuggle w/depression but have learned to keep the glass half full most of the time. Its been a learned behaviour. I have to sign in as anon. again. but its me Lea.
Cindy- I was going to write about something else today, but was lead to write this post. It was meant to be, I'm sure
Like Bob, I call myself a "realist". I've always been a cup half full person--but my fear is that the cup will be poured out! I always have this nagging sense that no one deserves this much happiness. I'm very thankful for my todays.
Lea- I hope you will read what Cindy had to say in her comment. I think it is a message for all of us.
Also, you may want to go to Cherokeefox's post and read it, too.
Blessing as always.
Linda- I think your feeling is a common one.... But we're going to have to turn you into an optimist so you can be a member...
Read Joanne's comment. We're now a club. lol.
Optimism and gratitude are two of the things that will sustain us I think. Count me in as a member of the Optimism Club!
I like to think I am the optimist always but living with a pessamist is hard! It wears you down--that's why I asked him to give me my birthday present of no bad talk all week about unemployment. But I always believe things will work out someday!
Linda- The Optimism Club is growing. We should be able to change the world soon.lol.
Terri- Here at the Optimism Club, there's not going to be ANY BAD NEWS. So stick around for lots of positive support.
I'm a very annoying optimist...just ask my husband! He takes it as being naive, I take it as being faithful and expecting the best!
Michaele- I seem to hear a theme running throughout the comments. Are women more optimistic than men?
Makes me wonder.
It is funny, my husband and I are both Aries. Strong willed and stubborn, but I will never, ever admit I just typed that. I tend to be the laid back person for the most part, and he is the type A, hard driven personality. I think that we are a good fit.
Oh, I'm an optimist. Lately I've been avoided the news. Not in a "put your head in the sand" kind of way - but as a means of self-protection. I can no longer be bombarded with the gloom and doom. It isn't good for my soul. I also try to surround myself with optimistic people.
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