Optimism
When we live life from an optimistic point of view, we free ourselves up to be a much stronger force in challenging situations. With an optimistic point of view, we handle the hard knocks of life with self-possessed aplomb because we know we can enter situations with mental clarity and spiritual groundedness. An optimistic attitude increases the trust we have for our internal “know how.” It also supports the knowledge that in the end we accept that things work out just as they should for our benefit - even when impending adversity feels overwhelming and definitely unwanted.
Reality
From a purely physiological standpoint, an optimistic outlook heavily tips the scales in our favor because studies on optimism shows that it increases an overall sense of wellbeing, supports sturdier immune function, speeds recovery after surgery, and expands longevity. Optimism is good; it allows us to look out at life through the lens of reality because it is not about pretending, making everything prettier than it really is, or making sure we appear to be happy when in truth we aren’t always. Optimism helps us absorb all the bumps in life without losing trust in our ability to handle it all. Throughout history there have been many who have suffered extreme torture and have remained alive to speak about it. Victor Frankl is a prime example. His stronghold of optimism kept him alive when imprisoned in WWII concentration camps. He later wrote that optimism was indeed the only thing that kept him alive during starvation, beatings, and inhumane treatment.
“Optimism, at its finest, is defined as confidence about the successful outcome of something in the future, as well as having an unbreakable belief that this world is the best of all worlds. ”