Optimism makes us more Flexible

THINGS WILL WORK OUT!  That's the mantra of the optimistic.  When you don't have to waste too much brain space with self-doubt, your amazing mind gets to work on the question of HOW things will work out, not IF they will.  That leads to all those wonderful problem solving strategies that come from thinking with flexibility, creativity and innovation.  Stretchy thinking gets things done!

Optimism Shields us from Anxiety

Everyone needs their own turtle shell.  An optimistic attitude protects us from the slings and arrows of anxiety.  When we fill ourselves up with the powerful beliefs that we can shape events, we create our own safe haven from the doubts and worries that can paralyze us into giving up.  If we assume the future will look brighter (Yes - even if we don't know for sure!), we're able to tolerate so much more stress in the present, that would otherwise be just too hard to take. 

Optimistic Energy

Sometimes we need all the energizer energy we can muster when the going gets rough.  An optimistic attitude is just the thing to "keep going and going and going and going".  When we believe in positive outcomes, we work harder and longer to turn our positive predictions into reality. 

Curiosity Can lead to Happiness

So, they say that "curiosity killed the cat", but Happiness research is showing us that curiosity can also  lead to a greater sense of meaning and contentment.  Curious people who are open to stretching their knowledge and experiences "outside of the box" report that their greater exploratory mindset brings happy rewards.  So, try something new, learn something different, and open your eyes to new happy possibilities!

A Hopeful Heart is a Healthy Heart!

Here's one of the best reasons yet to adopt an optimistic, hopeful attitude:  You just may live longer!  A recent study published in the Psychological Bulletin by Harvard scientists found huge correlation between positive mental health and healthy cardiovascular health.  Check this out:

1.  They found a 50% reduced risk of initial cardiovascular event for optimists (compared with less optimistic individuals, and

2.  Those optimists who were undergoing bypass treatment were 50% less likely to experience complications than their less optimistic counterparts.

These finding all held regardless of diet, exercise or smoking factors.

WOW - 50%!  less risk of heart attack!  Positive Psychology for the WIN!

Want to look young and thin?

If you want to look young and thin, hang around old fat people!
Jim Eason

Walk with a Friend

Why not combine two of the most important factors in maintaining a happy mood?  Exercise your body muscles and your friendship muscles!

Walk in Beauty

Find the inspiration to keep going by surrounding yourself with beauty

Just keep going!

It's tempting to just park on the road to success!  No worries - just nap, then keep on going!

Walk your way to Happiness

Heck, if they can do it with those short little legs - can't you?

Stay in Shape

Ellen Degeneres:

"You have to stay in shape.  My grandmother, she started walking five miles a day when she was 60.  She's 97 today and we don't know where the hell she is!"

Happy Easter!

Wishing you a bountiful and Joyous Easter!

May your Friday be Good, Very Good!

Reflection, contemplation, committment, rebirth, growth and celebration.  May you choose to live today to the fullest!

Enjoy the Journey

Mmmmmm, the wind in my face!

Take a Friend

 

 Whatever path you are travelling - friends make the going easier! 

Slow and Steady Does It!

Progress:  One baby step at a time.  It doesn't matter if the pace is slow.  Just keep going!

SPRING

SPRING:  It's starting to feel like it's time for change!  A fresh start?  A small step forward?  After a long, cold hibernation, the sunshine can renew and ren-energize us.  What's first on your list?