Randy Pausch video

Brett Mcfall suggested this video in his blog and I just have to pass it on.

You tube video about the last lecture by Randy Pausch.

This is very entertaining full of his life lessons. Grab a cuppa and watch this 60 minute video

Leona

Optimist / Pessimism contimuum

I can across this well written concise article from Life Optimizer Being Optimist: 8 ways to overcome pessimism. from Donald Latumahina.

Here are 8 ways listed by Donald:

1. Find a cause you believe in;
2. Focus on the possibilities, not the impossibilities;
3. Read inspirational stories;
4. Be part of a team;
5. Connect to your cause;
6. Connect to your spiritual power source;
7. Get rid of negative words;
8. Open your mind for unexpected ways.

I look at optimism and pessimism as a continuum from one extreme to another and depending on where you are on this line will depend on what percentage of your focus is optimistic and what percentage is pessimistic.

I think to be optimistic you need to believe in something good or something better. And you will fill your life with the positive things that make you fill good. For example books, movies, friends and physical activities. As the song in the Life of Brian says "Always look on the bright side of life."

Now the downside can be guilt - which is a negative. This negative to balance out or ground you in reality and it can come from family and friends.

Take each day as a step further towards optimism and less towards pessimism. But please don't be hard on yourself if have a "bad" day. It will take time to retrain your brain.

Think happy thoughts

Leona