Optimism key to combating negativity
It is very easy for us to become pessimistic in our world today.
All we have to do is watch the evening news for a few minutes, and it becomes very easy to become depressed. However, despite all the bad news that is featured in the media, it is still possible to be optimistic.
One of the best lines I have ever heard regarding this subject was uttered by Dr. Wayne Dyer who said, “No one knows enough to be a pessimist.” It is very easy in our society to become skeptical and cynical, and it takes a great courage and character to swim against the tide and cling to optimism. I strongly recommend that you ignore those who try to influence you with their pessimism. I firmly believe that inside every pessimist is an optimist who merely has not mustered up enough faith and courage to emerge.
Also, many pessimists have often had deeply hurtful and disappointing life experiences and cling to their pessimism as a shield against any potential future hurts or disappointments.
Michelangelo, the great renaissance artist once said, “The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that is too low and we reach it.” From very humble beginnings, Michaelangelo tenaciously held onto his high hopes, big dreams, and intolerance for low expectations to become one of the most respected artists in all of history. My advice to you is to cling to your high ideals.
Dare to aim high and refuse to be limited by small thinking and low expectations. Most of all don’t let anyone convince you that there is danger in having too much hope. I assure you, holding the opposite view is a much scarier prospect.
Dr. Wayne Dyer, in his book, “Wisdom of the Ages”,
offers these guidelines to help implement Michaelangelo’s philosophy in your life:
• Refuse to listen to those who focus on your limitations. Focusing on limitations becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. All that shows up in your life will be limitations.
• Never aim low or think small. We are all made in the image and likeness of God, and as such we are intimately connected to the source of all that is truly miraculous in the world.
• Always remain hopeful! Always remember the famous remark of Albert Einstein’s: “Great spirits have always encouraged violent opposition from mediocre minds.”
• Contemplate what your deepest desires are in life. Remember to aim high and remember the words of Michaelangelo. When asked how he could create such a masterpiece as the statue of David, he responded that David was already in the marble. He merely had to chip away the excess in order to allow him to escape. We can create whatever we desire; we merely have to chip away the doubt in order for it to manifest itself. The greatest danger lies not in having too much hope, but in failing to reach what you perceived as hopeless.
Dr. Raymond Angelini is a licensed psychologist and a business and personal coach. He has been in practice for over 30 years. He specializes in assisting individuals in finding and sustaining careers that are rewarding, life-enhancing, and in keeping with their personal and spiritual values. He can be reached by email at rayangel58@gmail.com or you may visit his website at https://drrayangelini.com.