“Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by what you bring to life.” —John Homer Miller

Good morning! Optimism is a key that opens doors and opportunities. There is a story about a man who is locked in a room with a closed door. He is frustrated, negative, and miserable. “I’ll never be able to get out of here with that door closed,” he mumbles, while sitting and staring at the doorknob. He is so busy staring at the closed door that he never notices the open window.Negativity causes people to focus only on what can’t be, while missing all the avenues that can lead to opportunity and success. Optimism makes people more pleasant to be around, and an optimist is bound to enjoy life and live a fuller life than will a pessimist.Sometimes our negativity is verbal and directed outward at society or others in our home. Other times we may say negative statements to ourselves like, “I look terrible today,” or “I’ll never accomplish what I want.” These statements are harmful and eat away at our self-image.Optimism, appreciation, faith, and belief are some of life’s most important survival tools. We need to practice them and cherish them daily so we can pass them onto others.

Be aware that negative statements often turn into negative outcomes. Look for the positive in situations and encourage your child to do the same.

Each day I demonstrate optimism, appreciation, faith, and belief.