Experts believe that optimists are most likely to live longer than their pessimistic counterparts given similar environmental conditions. Why is this so? The answer may likely seem obvious: the state of the mind. One is a positive thinker the other is not, one tends to believe, hope and expect that things will turn out well, the other does not, philosophically, one believes that things are continually getting better and that good will ultimately triumph over evil. The pessimist may sometimes argue that what the optimist stands for is ‘ridiculous’, hence the optimist may even run the risk of being described as an idealist living in a ‘very real world.’
It may even seem that thinking this way could in most cases, be detrimental to emotional stability especially if one expects something in particular to turn out well, and it doesn’t. Disappointments may result in depression. But on the other hand, certain qualities make up a pessimist or someone with the tendency: distrust of other people, doubtful, gloomy, suspicious, hopelessness. All these qualities pose a challenge for such an individual in his pursuit to be happy. Seventy percent of the unpleasant things a person expects to happen, most often times does happen, it will thence seem healthy to expect the best always, so that the best happens. This is easy….just hope. You might then ask; how does one feel hopeful in a hopeless situation? The answer may take this form: courage. It takes courage to hope; to hope for the best, and consequently, hope against hope. By being constantly hopeful in life, one experiences a serene transformation within one’s self. You tend to appreciate the gift and beauty of life, you are a solace, a pillar of strength to others around you, your reason for living is solidly defined. What is more, happiness is guaranteed! As the ultimate goal in everyone’s life is attaining happiness—genuine happiness, believing that things are getting better even in the midst of difficulties has a miraculous healing effect. Do not feel restless that you could be disappointed in the long run, because, chances are, you may not! Stay committed to the optimist you are, and experience that world of happiness waiting at your doorstep, because, by putting a smile on your face, you are putting smiles on the faces of others.
