Otoshi Poetry

Optimism and Open Acceptance

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Randy Pausch, a professor who showed optimism in the face of imminent death, once said:

“We cannot change the cards we were dealt, just how we play the hand.”

In the context of his situation, he was a healthy and intelligent man going into his 40’s when he was suddenly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was told by his doctors that he would only have 3 to 6 months of good health left to live, ultimately meaning he would die with less than a years notice in advance. He didn’t give up on life though, and probably even embraced it more. His cards were dealt, and he made the best of the situation life gave to him.

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A short overview of an optimist -

Latin: Optimum: is to be: best

Latin: Optimus is to be: best, aristocrat, noble

To be an optimist is to carry a trait of open-mindedness that few view the world through in this day and age. The optimist takes nothing for granted and values even the smallest opportunities for self improvement and personal growth. Every disagreement becomes a lesson to be learned or a new perspective to be aware of.

Seemingly impossible tasks become small hurdles in the path to an optimist’s success. Every challenge in life is accepted, and if there is a way to solve a problem the optimist will find the solution.

To be optimistic is to confront conflict, stretch comfort zones, and venture where few would ever dare to travel. An optimist finds new experiences the most rewarding, taking in every detail as a new way to view the world.

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My views on optimism

I find optimism attractive. It is what drives me everyday to be myself and find the lessons to be learned in the world.

I believe that optimism is about taking what we have in front of us and making the best of it. Optimistic thoughts lead to self belief, which becomes a driving energy to continue on in difficult times.

I don’t look forward to my off days, but when I have them, I know there is a reason why they feel difficult and I look for ways to grow. I look for the small things that seem different in my skewed perspective and I try to jot them down for another day to analyze them.

We can spend all of our time self doubting ourselves or blaming others on our struggles, but ultimately we are the ones responsible for our own fates. We can dwell, or we can prosper. We can stay a sapling forever, or we can slowly grow into a tree of wisdom.

I am a noble optimist, an optimust. I believe in making positives choices in my optimism and I never blame another for their views or actions. Instead, I question why they decided to take that action in the first place and try to apply the knowledge to myself.

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Life may be unfair - but why should let that stop us from achieving our hopes and dreams?

Let us face our dragons with no swords, woo knights and maidens with no charm, and take pride in being the best we can be.