Greetings, fellow humans! Today, I’m gonna start the first of ten posts of me breaking down The Optimist Creed. If you’ve been reading NIA SPEAKS for a while, you may know that I did a post on this creed back in December of 2010, as a challenge to live by it in 2011.
Well, we all know that it’s 2012 now, and I’ve come to realize that I’ve kind of strayed from the creed. Now, I’m trying to get back on track, because I think that living by the creed can truly make me and you all happier people. The Optimist Creed is as follows; and today, I’m tackling the first article.
Promise yourself…
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
Now, how can one be so strong that nothing can disturb his or her peace of mind? Better yet, what does that even mean?
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:6+7
The above verse is one of my favorite passages of Scripture, and the answer to my question.
The way of keeping one’s peace of mind is by not worrying, I suppose. I guess that means we should be strong enough not to give into fear…or at least petty worries, if you know what I’m saying.
According to some stats…
40% of the things people worry about about are about things that would never happen.
30% of the things people worry about are about things that have already happened.
12% of the things people worry about are about others’ opinions; and criticisms are often made by those that are jealous or insecure. Therefore, unjust criticism is a disguised compliment.
10% of the things people worry about are needless health worries.
8% of the things people worried about are “legitimate.”
So, most of the things you worry about aren’t even worth the trouble! No wonder why peace of mind can seem so scarce.
I challenge you to chill out on that worry stuff. I’ll hit more on it later on the last article of this creed.
Any thoughts?
Until next time…
Picture citation: eoptimist.org
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