Opting in for Optimism

Sometimes life throws everything at us but the kitchen sink, and other times it throws the kitchen sink too.

Let me start this by saying I am not feeling particularly positive right now. Within 24 hours Centrelink (yes CENTRELINK) rejected my claim and then Telstra rejected my casual job application because I am over qualified. Thanks Telstra but I am still jobless?! So much of me wants to say a big old F*CK YOU COVID19 and lie in bed until it’s all over but then I remembered - that’s not who I am. A lot of people think I am an overly positive person, I am not, but I am an overly optimistic person. What’s the difference you may ask?

Optimism is about not denying the current reality but rather the belief that the future is positive and we will get through to that point. So here’s my thoughts:

We can choose to say yes the current situation is pretty sh*tty but at the same time we get the choice to believe that it will work out for the best and we will come out changed.

But HOW do you decide to be optimistic in times like this, or any point of life where things aren’t exactly going a-okay? I picked 5 people (myself included) that are being impacted in different ways by the current situation and asked for their biggest tip on remaining OPTIMISTIC. Each person has impacted me whether directly or indirectly with their resilience, actions and attitude and I believe their words can do the same for you.

MEG (ME):

I lost my job after 6 years just before the “situation” hit and escalated. I signed a contract to start as a PT and the day I was meant to start my new career was the day that all gyms closed nationally and over a million people lost their job, me included (again). CUE KITCHEN SINK.

My tip - Your freedom lives in your ability to understand that nothing is certain, whether good or bad, yet in this uncertainty you have the power to create anything and become anyone that you choose. I can create my future by working on it at this very moment, by staying present. If (almost) everyday I can get up and do something which is going to make tomorrow better for myself, then I find I am so busy focusing on the present moment that I forget about the uncertainty of the future. We don’t know if it’s going to be good or bad - so I believe that I am going to come out of this stronger, more connected to life and the ones I love and hopefully with some skills I did not have before, and therefore I will. What is the narrative you are telling yourself? Because you would be surprised how powerfully that narrative can actually become your story.

MARK:

Mark owns Iron Zuu [Kawana] a fitness space on the Sunnie Coast. I chose Mark as he inspires me daily with his energy and attitude. He has continued to inspire, show up and keep his community engaged and moving. Plus he is a genuine weapon to watch train (cue love heart eyes).

Mark’s tip - “Always try to find a light in every darkness, even if you have to light the candle yourself. Sometimes you are presented with things that ultimately are so, so dark and everyone around you is feeling it so heavily but if you can come in and be that little ray of light that comes in and not necessarily to give advice but just hold space for them. People remember how you make them feel and that’s how I live my life. So look for that light.”

SANDRA:

Sandra was stood down from her role through the COVID19 situation. She has amazed me with her sense of calm and the way she is seeking an opportunity to show gratitude and grow. We have conversations around how this is happening for us and not to us and it constantly keeps me grounded. She always lightens my day and others with this big beautiful smile and optimistic outlook - without being too much or unrealistic.

Sandra’s Tip: “I honestly believe that the best way to remain optimistic is just to be grateful. If you are focusing on the things in your situation that you could possibly appreciate, it’s really hard to feel negative or feel down at the same time. I know everyone experiences difficulties but there is pretty much always something you can be grateful for.

It’s not something that we naturally do, it’s something we need to build into our daily routines, that we actively look for those things that we can appreciate. Find something you can appreciate in your current situation and write it down, think about it and shift all your focus to that for a little while and see what happens.”

MARCEL:

He is an epic app developer and also one of my favourite, most inspiring humans. When I met him I was drawn to his warm energy and lightning bolt smile. Marcel has always supported me in every area of my life and encouraged me with kind words but also given me a shake up when required. This guy always finds the bright side.

Marcel’s tip - “We are always saying we are pressed for time, that we don’t have time for this or for that. But now we have a little more time on our hands. So now is actually the time to stretch yourself and get outside of your comfort zone and do things that will help you grow and get better. Things that will help you grow and get better. It is time for YOU to get outside of your comfort zone and do things you never thought you could actually do.”

ANDY:

Andy is GM of Goodlife Health Clubs. He just started in this new role when COVID hit and the industry was paused. He is also one of my mentors and biggest supporters. He is practical and kind, the one that will message you to check on you even when he is also, if not more, impacted by a situation than you. His heart and well rounded views inspire me, as does his calm voice.

Andy’s tip - “My message to everyone is to try to find something in our lives to be grateful for. Because if we look within and try to find more things to show gratitude for then I have no doubt that more things will come into our lives. And hopefully by showing gratitude for the things we do have rather than pessimism for the things we do not have, will make all of our lives a little bit easier.”

So there we have it. Five people that have chosen to say that no bad situation is a good one but good can come out of a bad situation.

I don’t know when things will return to “normal” and in many ways I hope they don’t.

I hope that we all come out of this situation a little wiser, a little more grateful and a little closer to the ones we love. I hope we lit a candle for others, that we stayed present and that the narrative we told ourselves was one of bravery and kindness.

That’s all I have for now, keep smiling and keep believing that even though it might not feel like it right now, we got this.

Love,

MDW

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