Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining

As most of you know, this is my favourite quote. I always tend to think positive even when I feel hopeless. I never see my glass half-empty - it's always half-full. In my life, I've been through a lot of hardships, yet I always thought they were a blessing in disguise. My father used to tell me that a pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities while an optimist is one who makes opportunities out of his difficulties. So I've learnt to make opportunities out of my difficulties. And construct instead of destroying. Beyond the darkest of nights, there's always the promise of the dawn, the greeting of the rising sun. And as Maria says in The Sound of Music, when God closes a door somewhere opens a window.

Can you see that silver lining?

While I was surfing the Net last weekend, I came across a site which caught my eye.You might like to have a look as well.

THE OPTIMIST CREED

Promise Yourself -
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

As far as I am concerned, I'm the optimist creed. What about you?

Comments

[Christina]

Positive thinking has helped me to deal effectively with some really serious problems. I never see what's the worst and try as much as I can to see that silver lining. I sometimes do, I sometimes don't but the positive thought is worth a million.

[Andy]

Having a positive outlook has enabled me to cope better with unpleasant or tough situations.

[Stefania]

Although I can't really say I am 100% optimistic, I find that forgetting the mistakes of the past and looking forward to future achievements is an essential part of happiness.

[Jeff]

When things are looking pretty glum, I stick to the good old saying: This too shall pass!

[Lakis Ioannou]

Although I don't reject the benefits of positive thinking, I strongly believe that actions speak louder than words. As a result, in times of hardship I'd rather take positive actions rather than dream about my best self or the best outcome in a difficult situation.

[Christina]

Lakis, it's not always easy to find solutions to problems through actions. What if you're fired, you are running out of money, you can't pay the bills and your significant other gives up on you? In such situations, thinking positive is soothing, relaxing and, in the long run, you have a clearer mind to deal with difficulties and find solutions - if there are any. And if you can't figure out a solution, at least you can look forward to better days. To me this is very important. It's the essence of happiness.

[Lakis Ioannou]

There's always a solution to a problem, Christina. In the example you mention, you can start cutting down on minor expenses and look for a new job. Despite the severe crisis in Greece and Cyprus, people are still willing to hire competent staff. What I mean to say is this: while thinking positive, do something!

[Lakis Ioannou]

The essence of happiness , by the way, lies in the action we take to improve. Fair enough, think positive, dream of a better life - that's good - but at the same time see what you can do to get over difficulties. Real happiness depends on your actions.

[Katie White]

Those who fantasise about a wonderful life are ill-prepared for setbacks, or become reluctant to put in the effort required to achieve their goal. Either way, the message is clear – imagining the perfect you is not good for your life.

[Constantinos T]

To my mind,positive thinking leads to positive action. Without positive thinking how can there be any positive action at all?

[Constantinos T]

Positive thinking has helped me realize that life is worth living despite difficulties or problems. After all, it's through difficulties and problems that we can really appreciate happiness. Great post, Anastasia!

[Karolina]

When I think positive , I honestly don't imagine the perfect me for one simple reason: only God is perfect. Thinking positive doesn't mean ignoring setbacks. It means considering setbacks positively...seeing the best instead of the worst has helped me face a lot of difficulties effectively.

[Karolina]

I believe that positive thinking is a prerequisite for positive action.

[Alexia M]

I think positive.... hence I exist! Few things in the world are more powerful than a positive push. A smile. A world of optimism and hope. A 'you can do it' when things are tough. Believe me, this does not belong to the sphere of the imaginary. It is real and it's a booster!