Nearly a year ago, inspired by a good friend I started a little blog. I affectionately named it “theoptimistproject” as that truly speaks to my human nature, my outlook on life, and something I’d like to help others gravitate towards, if it’s not already an inherent part of their daily lives. So I created a nice little blog, posted a few thoughts, linked it to all my social media accounts, posted on a handful of occasions, and then went silent….. Not a peep from me unless it was on Facebook. Those who were excited about my new little project were confused and left feeling, less than inspired.

For me, a person who’s full of “Optimism”, “the glass is half-full”, and doesn’t let anyone stand in her way, I felt as though I had already failed somehow. The glass apparently was full, tipped over and spilled all over the place. Not that anyone was really checking in on my activity, or that I had anyone to report to on this personal endeavor, other than myself, but truly, why stop when you’ve just started something really good?

Well, here’s what I know….. It’s been said that when you’re truly ready to do something, you’ll do it. Conversely, if you don’t want to do something, you’ll find an excuse. So maybe, finally, my timing is just right. Perhaps, this past year while I could’ve spent it blogging away, it was intended to be spent doing the really good work I needed to do for myself, and proudly, I can say that I did a whole lot of that.

Admittedly, along the way, I let a few miserable, pessimistic, cynical “saboteurs” cloud my vision, steal my hopes, and get the better of me. As Taylor Swift sings in her song called “Ours” The lyrics say…. “People throw rocks at things that shine”, and sadly some really do. As “pessimistic” as that sounds, it’s the truth sometimes. So without sounding like a victim, let me just say it was important for me to have the last year to come to a really good place of unwavering inner strength, confidence, self-awareness, inner peace, and the ability, for lack of better words, to raise that middle finger in the air if necessary.

At the end of the day, we will always have those nearby who support us genuinely no matter what our plans may be, as well as those who secretly hope to see us fail. It’s a New Year, and none of us can be certain of what the future holds, but I’m more optimistic than ever, and I hope you feel that way too. If not, stay with me, perhaps my future posts will speak to you, and keep you encouraged.

So let me wrap up my first post of the New Year with this optimistic thought….

We all have interests, desires, hopes and dreams. Stop being intimidated by what people say, and how they make you feel. Those who judge, poke fun, and criticize don’t have your abilities, and if they do, they’re not confident enough to let them shine.

“The stakes are high, the water’s rough” -Taylor Swift

Until next time, don’t let yourself give up, keep moving forward, even if it’s just one little step at a time. What are your hopes and dreams in the New Year ahead? What do you hope to accomplish? Let’s chat about it…..

Lesley

By its very definition, the word “expectation” means: ”A degree of probability that something will occur.” (Dictionary.com).  If you’re a 99% happy-go-lucky person, with a glass is half full mentality like me, chances are you don’t walk around thinking about this concept or dwelling on it.

As an optimist I’m not thinking about expectations being squashed every second. I just carry on and hope for the best, managing disappointments and learning from them as I go. Naturally I have expectations of myself and others, but I keep my expectations realistic recognizing life holds no guarantees, unless of course you want to talk death and taxes…

Approaching life with rose colored glasses and a glass that’s half full is awesome, I’m grateful that’s the norm for me instead of the opposite. But as much as I walk around without giving thought to being disappointed, it’s possible to disappoint others unintentionally, by way of such enthusiasm and optimism.  Make sure people understand your optimism is not necessarily tied to the probability of their expectations being met. Always articulate up front what the goal is at hand and the reality of it. This gives everyone a chance to hear it, acknowledge it, prepare for it, plan on it….. Expect it. Furthermore, if you’re an optimist like me, or simply a pessimist trying to be more open-minded, you can continue your enthusiastic, optimistic approach, without creating false expectations.

-Lesley M