Optimism and Self Love

The International Optimist Day is celebrated on the first Thursday of February; millions are encouraged to promote this day with the intent of spreading sanguinity and solace to those in agony and anguish, those who believe that pessimism is the optimal mindset; those who ought to be reminded that there is more to life than pursuing your ideal career.

‘Optimists around the world are asked to wear Optimist attire - shirts, pins, hats, etc.’

Let’s address what optimism should be - an attitude that initiates exhilaration and encouragement, effervescence and zest about the future and the outcome of your hard work. Moreover, your mistakes shouldn’t be a projection of your impotence, but a refinement for the future.

Optimism shouldn’t be - an attitude resulting in cynicism and despondency; an attitude that compels you to presume calamity and disasters - losing self-belief over a flaw. That’s pessimism. We don’t have an International Pessimist Day; you shouldn’t have one either.

Whilst it is vital to remain optimistic of your future goals and aspirations in life, it is also important to stay realistic. This can be done through setting yourself miniscule tasks occasionally to instigate confidence and enthusiasm; choosing small steps over taking giant leaps and finally, creating a timeline for your tasks - putting these tasks to motion. Correspondingly, it is consequential to not lose sight of the fact that failure is never a sign of incompetence - it’s a sign that you’re doing everything right!

Self love is also an important attribute one can possess. The way you think and feel about yourself influences you in many ways and how others view you. Self love is the way you take care of yourself and your outlook on who you are. By loving yourself, you know that good things will come your way.

Some activities that can help you start loving yourself a little more include:

1. Positive daily affirmations

Start asserting positive daily affirmations - with a lot of intent. Believe that you look good, that you’re worth it, that you are strong and that you are loved. The subconscious mind can be receptive towards these thoughts.

2. Exercise

Working out releases endorphins, one of the “happy hormones”. Working out can help you feel better by being more confident in your body and boosting your self esteem.

3. Balanced diet

By eating healthily, you’ll find yourself to be more refreshed and energised. You don’t have to start by completely changing what you eat. You could start off with cutting off certain foods and/or implementing healthy alternatives to your meals.

4. Try something new

Go out of your comfort zone and try new things. Perhaps a new hobby, or visiting a new place, or meeting new people. You may find something new that you love to do or find someone you genuinely enjoy being around.