Is optimism a choice?

While many argue that optimism is a choice, and even doctors may suggest through research that optimism is a choice, I stand to differ.  One cannot simply wake up one day and say I am an optimist.  Individuals can’t just make one singular choice and become an optimist.  No I believe real optimism isn’t achieved on a singular choice.

As Mark Twain once penned the phrase by words of his beloved character,

“You cannot pray a lie.” - Huckleberry Finn

Reality hits a would be optimist when they find that their hopes and dreams of a brighter future are being destroyed by their actions at present.  One cannot ignore reality. If someone chooses to act in a way that damages themselves and their future and then projects a false belief that all is okay, they are ultimately living a lie.  Perhaps they seem blissful in their optimistic ignorance, yet that bliss is shallow and that river will run dry.

Optimism is not A choice.  Optimism is many choices. Optimism is a choice made daily and some days hourly. Optimism is based on how we live our lives as a whole.  Yes, it is within our power to choose optimism and to choose a better life.  But that choice is simply a forerunner.  If that choice is not followed by steps,  if the choice is not followed by actions, then we are praying and hoping a lie.

I believe that I choose to be an optimist everyday.  My freedom to act, to build, to create, to direct myself, my mind, my body is the source of my optimism.  Yes, I do choose optimism.  I live so that I am happy.  I live so that I am healthy.  My final hope and optimism lies in my belief that despite my inperfections now, someday I will be perfect.  If Job and Jeremiah can be deemed perfect men then I too can become a perfect man.

Choose to be optimistic.  Let your actions  support your optimism.  Let your failures support you optimism by rising each time you fall and continuing to rise to higher planes.

I hope not to discourage those that want to make the choice of optimism.  It is a good choice.  I hope to encourage those that will choose and haven chosen optimism to continue to choose optimism.  And to make that choice a reality so you become optimistic.

“I choose optimism.  I act.  I am an optimist.”