5. navigating life with optimism

NAVIGATING LIFE WITH OPTIMISM: SECRETS OF HOW TO FACE LIFE

WITH POSITIVITY.

Renee Mill• Occupational Therapist B.Sc OT (1975),

University of Witwatersrand• Clinical Psychologist MA (Clin Psych)

(1982), University of Witwatersrand• Been in private practice since 1982• Arrived in Australia July 1997

Renee Mill

The Definition of OptimismOptimism comes from the Latin word optimus, meaning “best”, which describes how an optimistic person is always looking for the best in any situation and expecting good things to happen. Optimism is the tendency to believe, expect or hope that things will turn out well.

Even if something bad happens, like the loss of a job, an optimist sees the silver lining.

Optimism is good for your mental and physical health.

Being an optimist or a pessimist boils down to the way you talk to yourself.

P=personalOptimists view bad events as a result of something outside of themselves. Pessimists think the opposite way, they blame themselves for the bad things that happen.

P=pervasiveOptimists see the whole picture as positive while pessimists let one negative pervade the rest making it all seem negative.

P=permanentPessimists believe things will stay the same and always be bad. Optimists see a hiccup as temporary and feel confident that tomorrow will be better.

Optimists think about, reflect on, and emphasize the good things in life.• They are grateful and thankful for all their

blessings.• They don’t complain when something bad

happens.

Optimists feel that nothing can hold them back from achieving success and reaching their goals.• They believe in abundance.• They are confident that the world offers plenty

of opportunities for everyone to succeed.

The positive characteristics of optimists increase overall happiness and promote health, while reducing depression and chronic stress.

Optimism is a skill of emotional intelligence. Positive thoughts, an optimistic outlook, and overall happiness can advance your prospects for work, relationships and other life experiences.

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Questions & Answers• Ask Renee any questions you may

have• Alternatively you can email them to renee@anxietysolutionscbt.com.