Being an optimist

Is the glass half full or half empty? 

Often times we are reminded that those who have a positive outlook are more successful and happy in life. But how does this attitude actually manifest itself in our choices?

One deciding factor in living an optimistic life is that when we are faced with a dilemma, we choose to focus on the solution rather than the problem. If I am stuck in the mud, obviously the first positive choice I need to make is to get out of the mud, however I also have the choice of where my mind focuses. 

One option is to dwell in the fact that I'm stuck in mud, forgetting about where I was going in the first place. I would probably lose my temper and hinder my rational thought process of how to free myself. Once I do get out of the mud, I would probably complain about why the mud was there is the first place and get lost in curses about how muddy I have become.

The other option is to focus my mind to remember where I was going in the first place and see the current situation in a broader perspective. With that mindset, I would be more likely to keep calm and control my emotions so I can think logically about how to get out. I would be motivated by my desire to reach my original destination to make extra effort. Once I get out, I would probably clean myself up quickly, make a mental note to avoid the mud pit next time, and move on to my destination. 

They key point is to always have a broader vision and purpose to focus on in our daily life, so that we can quickly surmount the challenges both big and small that we will inevitably face. 

Freedom

Usually when we think of freedom, we think of having the liberty to speak and act as we please without restriction.

However we often forget that there are innate restrictions that bind us, not in the form of chains or walls around us, and not in the oppression of society or in the form of our detractors, but rather in the fundamental principles by which the universe was created.

What could possible restrict us within the natural law of the universe? Gravity is a great example. Gravity restricts us from floating into outer space. It restricts our ability to fly without specialized machines. Gravity does not discriminate by race, culture, or ethnicity nor does it grant special exceptions to those who don't believe in its existence. In a similar way, there are also innate spiritual laws that bind us regardless of what we believe.

For example, even if you do not believe in caring for others, it is a universal law that those who care for and serve others feel fulfilled, and those who steal from or abuse others feel empty inside. If we are honest we realize that our happiness is restricted unless we follow lead a life that is not just concerned for our own well being, but includes concern for those around us.

We should be responsible

Too many people blame circumstances or situations for their own failures. However, the truth of the matter is that although circumstances beyond our control surround us, we have 100% control over the choices we make.

Usually what influences us the most is the people we are closest to. Often without noticing, we tend to be uplifted when these people have a clear purpose in their life, and downtrodden when they do not. But even if everyone around us acts like life is a gimmick, it doesn't mean necessarily that in fact life is a gimmick and that circumstance doesn't justify our own deviation from living a purposeful life.

We should constantly reflect on the choices we make in response to the various circumstances we face every day. Are we being responsible in our decisions or are we letting our surroundings dominate us? This is significant because this mindset is what will ultimately determine our fate.