Staying Optimistic

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On Our Walk at the Minnesota Landscape Aboretum

Dear Readers,

A hawk came to rest on our fence post, and tried to catch a hosta-eating bunny. He failed this time, although, I wish he had prevailed, but one thing I know is, he will keep trying. I know I need to keep trying to keep my feelings of hope, courage, and perseverance during hard times.

One thing that contiues to help me is to look for role models in people I know, have met, or have read about. I find role models everywhere. They are the people, who having faced the loss of husbands, or sons and daughters, grieve, and yet carry on with grace. I see some people who lost a limb, or their eyesight, or hearing, and they grieve, yet they carry on with an attitude of what they can do, rather than what they can’t. Helen Keller is still one of my favorite famous role models. Her quotes always speak to me.

“We are never really happy until we try to brighten the lives of others.” Helen Keller

It always seems my role models have gratitude and a thankful attitude, one of hope. I know for my well being, and for the happiness of people I love, I simply must keep reminding myself of this fact. Being grateful is the best way I know to counteract all the pessimistic and negative energy.

When I find myself talking only about negative things, whether in my own life, or about the state of our country, I know to stop and pause those thoughts. I don’t ignore them, but acknowledge that real problems exist. Then, I remind myself of the good things I see.

Nature, gratitude, shutting off the news, acknowledging my fearful feelings, (but not dwelling in them), positive mantras, giving of myself, keeping focus off of me and on others, all help me stay in the light. We need the light givers so much right now.

“Just as despair can come to one only from other human beings, hope, too, can be given to one only by other human beings.” by Elie Wiesel

I know some strangers think I am the woman who is always cooing at babies or dogs, (which drives Mr. UT bonkers), or when I smile and wave at everyone we meet on our walks, (he hates that, too), and that is just fine with me. I’d rather be that woman than a crabby one all day.

With Love for All Living Things,

On Day 2184,

Wendy

We see the most intersting and beautiful things on our walks!

Published by Untipsyteacher

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27 thoughts on “Staying Optimistic”

  1. This is so true. I was thinking the other day, when I wrote my post about being in limbo, how negative and low I feel when I constantly focus on me. If I can turn it around and think about what I can do to make others happy and feel good, it immediately has a positive impact on things around me and my own thoughts and emotions. I love that you smile at dogs and babies and it makes me smile that it drives Mr UT a little crazy 😊💕

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    1. There are times lately I have to keep reminding myself.
      We had another night of damage in Minneapolis based on misinformation. I had to turn off the news. Then today, walking around the gardens reminded me to stay grounded.
      xo

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  6. That landscape arboretum looks beautiful! Wish I could explore it. You are so right about grace and staying optimistic. The world needs more people like you. 💕

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  9. Severely limited news exposure is key right now. Good for you for letting your own energy fill your world, and for letting in the love and positive energy from outside. It sounds like you have a good balance between being informed and active and protecting your heart….

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  10. This post really made my night! Thank you so much, Wendy! I actually laughed out loud about how your cooing at babies/dogs and smiling and waving at others. Totally me and totally my husbands view on this. 😂❤️

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