#BeAnOptimist

It's pretty easy to talk smack. It's sad when the President of the United States does so frequently
without batting an eye. From "Crooked Hillary" to "Sleepy Joe," another election season is enveloping the US, and the world, and pushing through just like a tornado.

That's why it is important to be an optimist. We must divert our attention from the Twitter feed and the 24-hour news cycle that often shares negative stories or negative angles to what might otherwise be just news - something that happened - and nothing else.

One way to be an optimist is to read, recite, and share the Optimist Creed. Shown to the right is the second tenet of the Optimist Creed: "Promise yourself to talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet."

If everyone would just do that, the world would be a much more pleasant place to live. It's a good place to be already. Don't you want to make it better?

• Download a printable copy of the Optimist Creed here. 
• Enjoy the Optimist Creed online here.  

Do your part. #BeAnOptimist

Optimism breeds joy

John Baldoni is the chair of leadership and development at N2Growth. He has been recognized internationally as an educator and executive coach. In this message, he shares what we believe optimists should know, but may need to be reminded of, in order to live joyfully and to help others live joyfully, too.

It's pretty simple stuff that he suggests. He says that people want to derive meaning for their lives and that leaders can help those who follow them by demonstrating the following behaviors:

• Care about your work 
• Care about your people
• Communicate by listening and sharing
• Support them with resources and recognition

According to Baldoni, optimism breeds joy.

Be joyful, my friends and fellow optimists.

A wish for spring

As the flowers emerge from their winter beds each year, spring offers new visions of hope.

Our fresh eyes scan the landscape to assess the beauty in our surroundings. On such days, we feel love for our families, love for our friends and love for our neighborhood, country and land.

All of this combines to present eternal optimism.

We are part of a world than regenerates itself.

We have unlimited potential to thrive in this world.

We have unique talents to share with those around us.

We have hope, love and optimism.

My wish for you - and for me - is that our hope, love and optimism will shine and grow throughout the year.

Ken Garner declares war

Reverting to the random, abstract presidential theme used by Optimist International presidents before him, Ken Garner has decided that this administrative year will focus on "the best."

Whether it be "bringing out the best in kids," which part of the vision statement, "With hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in children;" or a salute to the tenet of the Optimist Creed that says, "Promise yourself to think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best;" Garner hopes to eradicate apathy and pessimism by encouraging the best in all endeavors.

He explains more in his first video to the organization as president.




Garner uses the word war to describe his approach. He says, "I declare a war on apathy and pessimism."

As a public relations communicator, I might have suggested a different tactic; war seems to me the polar opposite of hope and optimism. It's funny how our words play differently in individuals' minds.

In any case, I support his efforts and expect only the best. Good luck to all Optimist Clubs in your annual pursuit of optimism.

"How a penny made me feel like a millionaire"

Gratitude.

We often fail to appreciate or to communicate just how grateful we are for where we find ourselves in our life's journey. But there is always something to be thankful for, something to overcome, and something new to experience. We hope that for you those experiences are always viewed with optimism. Only then will they be as rewarding as Tania Little's journey from post-Chernobyl Russia to life in the United States.

Please watch "How a penny made me feel like a millionaire," a Ted Talk by Tania Luna. Grab a tissue, smile, enjoy and yes, be thankful.

"Trying to make the world better one tweet at a time"

We hear so much about the dangers of cyberbullying. How would you like to hear about social media being used by teens for a good purpose instead? That sounds much more optimistic to me!

This video introduces us to Jeremiah Anthony, a junior at Iowa City West High School. Jeremiah started the Twitter account @westhighbros to tweet compliments and encouragement to friends. Recent tweets, as of this post, included such things as "You are really unique and talented," "You make the best of everything that comes your way," and "You are smart and can find the humor in every situation."

His Twitter bio says, "Trying to make the world better one tweet at a time." I think he's doing that, don't you?  Good job, Jeremiah. Find out more. 

What is optimism?

According to Jim Stockman, a member of the Downtown Optimist Club of Indianapolis, Indiana, optimism is nutrition for the mind. 

In 2009, the Downtown Optimist Club celebrated 90 years of community service. Producer Billy Myers interviewed club members about their experiences, attitudes and projects. It's easy to see how far reaching their programs are and how embedded their optimism is in their lives. Please watch and enjoy "Optimist International - 90 Years of Service." 

Make your optimism come true

According to Helen Keller, "Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." How right she is and was on so many topics, but none more so than the subject of being a positive force and a beacon of hope in the world.

Everyone knows her story; born blind and deaf, she struggled from an early age to be understood. And while her wonderful, patient teacher and friend Annie Sullivan taught her to communicate, Miss Sullivan also taught her parents to expect more of their child born with exceptional challenges. Together they began their lifelong work to change how others look at individuals with disabilities. More important, they gave others the confidence to overcome whatever challenges they face in their lives.

For that reason, I believe Helen Keller is the ultimate optimist. She made her own luck. She looked at the sunny side of everything. She spoke of health, happiness and prosperity. She expected only the best. I encourage you to accept that challenge as well; beginning today, overcome your obstacles, find your path and work diligently to make your optimism come true.

Reprinted from www.newoptimistclub.com.

US optimism formally began on the 4th of July

"Optimism is the foundation of courage." - Nicholas Murray Butler, American philosopher

With courage and resolve, on July 4, 1776, the United States formally declared independence from Great Britain with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. I don't know if optimism was specifically on the signers' minds; however, the outcome was and has always been to foster a nation of hope. 

Happy Independence Day. 

Photo credit: Trumbull's Declaration of Independence, Wikimedia Commons 

Pick a favorite day

A. A. Milne, the creator of Winnie the Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood, had a simple way of writing that makes the reader happy especially when she is reading aloud to children, and even when she comes upon a quote online. Taking a few lines of the characters' conversation and applying them to our crazy, multitasking world is a way to help us slow down and savor the moment, the beauty and joy of the moment.

As Pooh, Piglet and Eeyore and others would amble through the forest, they would learn to trust each other in good times and trying times as they solved problems and shared stories and laughs. Every day they shared optimism, friendship and hope.

What day is your favorite day? I hope it's today. 

Music Sunday: Enjoy the show

Just enjoy the show. That's the message for Music Sunday at Experience Optimism today because baseball season is here. In Boise, Idaho the highest level live baseball we see is the minor league A team, the Boise Hawks, made up of a group of young men who are dreaming of making it to the show. To make it to the show means the rookie player has made the big leagues and has a chance to play a kid's game, and make good money doing it, for a few more glorious years.

In the movie, Moneyball, the daughter of former player turned manager Billy Beane reminds her father to enjoy the show. I think it is an inspirational clip full of optimism for the man who is a little too hard on himself about the choices he made early in his career. She reminds him to lighten up and and enjoy "The Show."



Originals aren't always the best, not even when they are as perky as Lenka performing "The Show" in this official version from VEVO on YouTube. But I have to say the song is great either way. Enjoy.

Say thank you, please

Two words that feel as good for the speaker as the listener are thank you. Showing gratitude is respectful and so necessary in a relationship.

In case you've forgotten to say just how thankful you are for someone special in your life, I found a video clip for you to share with them. In fact, it might help you catch up on a full range of unspoken emotions.

thank you. from Hana Davies on Vimeo.

As I was growing up, my family was not big saying things like "thank you," "I love you," or "good job." Feelings were left unstated, but expected to be understood. I have to say, the out loud, overt way is much more satisfying and much less mysterious.

Thank you for reading this blog. I appreciate the time you take to share optimism and explore my sometimes random thoughts with me.

Student speaks with optimism

Caleb Blair

I love this picture. It was posted by Barbara Jacoby for the Canton-Sixes Patch in Georgia. She was promoting, rightfully so, the winner of the Georgia District-Optimist International Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing where Teasley Middle School student Caleb Blair won a $2,500 college scholarship for his presentation on "How my optimism helps me overcome obstacles."

I love the picture for what it symbolizes: a young man, standing behind a banner of the Optimist Creed, talking in his language (ASL) about optimism. That's a powerful image.

Congratulations to Caleb and thank you to all contestants who participated in the Optimist International Communications Contests for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing this year.

Share love, share optimism

Do you know who the ultimate optimists are? Mothers.  Every day, 24/7, they hope for, work for and expect only the best for their children and families and when the nucleus is nurtured, the whole body flourishes. Mothers do all of that with love.

Our message today: Love (is all you need) 

For Mother's Day at Experience Optimism, I hope you enjoy this simple message along with The Beatles and "All You Need is Love."  Share optimism and you share love.  I learned that from you mom. Happy Mother's Day.

Experience Optimism has provided a "Share Optimism" poster every day this week. Based on the positive tenets of the Optimist Creed, we hope that you will find a favorite (or two) and share optimism with others today. (7 of 7) 

Today's message: Express gratitude

William Arthur Ward said, "Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." That's why today's message, like all messages this week, is not merely about feeling, it is about doing.

In other words, don't just be grateful. Express your gratitude, say 'thank you' and mean it.

If I might share a word of caution, please don't be indiscriminate in your thankfulness for that takes meaning away from it. I once had a supervisor who would say to me, "Thanks a ton," about everything I did. I fully believe that he thought he was showing appreciation, but in my mind, there was no acknowledgement of special effort for I received the same level of praise even when I performed below my expectations.

I doubt that any of us work for praise. However, the right amount of praise, at the right time, sure goes a long way. It is the optimistic thing to do. Share your appreciation and soon you'll realize that you are sharing optimism too.

Experience Optimism is providing a "Share Optimism" poster every day this week. Based on the positive tenets of the Optimist Creed, we hope that you will find a favorite (or two) and share some of your optimism with others today. (5 of 7) 

How to grow optimism

Today's message: Be kind.

When I considered the message that I wanted to share with you today, my mind went straight to flowers for the graphic display. Depending on when they are given, flowers might symbolize love, hope or respect. They might be a sign of sympathy or gratitude. Flowers are even used to say I'm sorry.

Tending to flowers in a garden requires a gentle touch and enjoying them growing in the wild suggests a gentle nature even in the gruffest of characters.

I don't think there is any doubt that each of those actions are done with kindness.

However, before I was able to post my thoughts, I saw the following quote on Twitter, attributed to B.D. Schiers, "Kindness is the greatest wisdom." I'm always amazed at how the right words, ideas and actions appear just when you need them. I incorporated those words right into my Share Optimism message today.

Be kind and just like a flower, your optimism will unfold and blossom. Now go ahead and share that feeling with friend. Use this poster to share optimism today.

Experience Optimism is providing a "Share Optimism" poster every day this week. Based on the positive tenets of the Optimist Creed, we hope that you will find a favorite (or two) and share some of your optimism with others today. (4 of 7)

Happiness begins with enthusiasm

Wednesday is known in some circles as "hump day" signifying that the work week is at its midpoint. Being the optimist that I am, I'll refrain from saying that it is half over.

However, depending on your attitude, the week can still drag on as you anticipate how you'll spend your time off with family and friends. Don't do that. Don't wait for the weekend to find joy in all that you do, for if you do, you'll miss out on the happiness that every day brings.

Today's message: Be enthusiastic.

Optimism begins with a smile. Happiness begins with enthusiasm. Both are contagious and your friends, family and coworkers are ready to be infected. Go ahead, be enthusiastic and share some optimism now.

Experience Optimism is providing a "Share Optimism" poster every day this week. Based on the positive tenets of the Optimist Creed, we hope that you will find a favorite (or two) and share some of your optimism with others today. (3 of 7)

Optimism begins with a smile

Today's message: Smile!

You are probably looking at the computer screen thinking something like, "Yeah right," or maybe even, "I don't feel like smiling." If so, please try this right now: Look right into the screen and smile. Did you feel the muscles in your face relax? Did your body shift ever so slightly to accommodate the relaxation?

Recent studies from the Carnegie Institute of Technology have shown that EQ (emotional intelligence), MQ (moral intelligence) and BQ (body intelligence) are equally important as IQ in engineering a successful life and career.

I propose that success starts with optimism and it is easier to be optimistic when your whole body is smiling. Practice that smile; feel and share your optimism. Now.

Experience Optimism is providing a "Share Optimism" poster every day this week. Based on the positive tenets of the Optimist Creed, we hope that you will find a favorite (or two) and share some of your optimism with others today. (2 of 7)

7 tips for an optimistic life

How do optimists do it? How do they see the glass half full and find the silver lining in every storm? How can they always look at the sunny side of everything. How do they live a good life?

Allow me to share a secret: it is not always easy to be an optimist. Sometimes it takes a little extra effort, but it is always worth it. Here are some tips to help you see the sunny side of everything:

1. Smile and act happy - it will trigger the real emotion. 
2. Exercise - there is a real connection between sound bodies and sound minds.
3. Sleep - happy people allow their bodies time to rest and recover.
4. Enjoy your friends - foster close relationships. 
5. Be helpful - doing good makes you feel good. 
6. Be grateful - pause and give thanks for what you have.
7. Celebrate - make time to enjoy the wonder of life.

Please enjoy this week's choice for Music Sunday: Good Life by OneRepublic. It's optimistic, don't you think?

Along with other optimistic pursuits, character matters

Today, I'm happy to share an @Twitter story - that's a story that drew my attention from a tweet.

The tweet came from Town Councillor @MaddieDiMuccio of Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. She said, "The Optimist Club of #Newmarket's mandate is to 'bring out the best in kids' and they need volunteers." 

Her tweet included a link to the Newmarket Optimist Club's website where I found a list of 23 individuals who bring chess, fishing and golf, among other things to the children in Newmarket. They share their positive vision through the Optimist Creed and they engage with the community in person and with links from their website to the town of Newmarket, including hotels, motels, restaurants, city services, libraries and schools. 

From a link on their website, I could see that they actively support the Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Air/Sea Cadets and Navy League and the Southlake Regional Health Centre. 

But what I liked most was this link: Character Matters. The Newmarket Optimist Club works with the schools in their community to instill good character traits in their students. They believe, "With a solid foundation of moral principles, children will mature and go on to achieve their goals yet still be capable of helping others achieve theirs. The net effect is a world that's a happier, better place to live." 

Visit the Newmarket Optimist Club  online or in person and find out how they inspire and instill in young people these valuable traits:

• Respect
• Responsibility
• Honesty
• Empathy
• Fairness
• Initiative
• Perseverance
• Integrity
• Courage 
• Optimism

Most important, find out how you can get involved in making a difference in the lives of the children in your community by becoming an Optimist Club member and volunteer today.

The Newmarket Optimist Club meets semi-monthly, first and third Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. at the Optimist Hall, 56 Forhan Drive.