If you were to look at the evolution of humans, it is only a very recent phenomena that humans live in a relatively safe and secure environment. Real risk of injury, illness or death from violence, disease or hardship was everywhere. It made sense for humans to be cautious, conservative, and ever mindful of what was just around the corner. 100 or 1,000 years ago being an optimist was unwise as there were risks and perils everywhere. Until the early 1900’s life expectancy was in the low 30’s, whereas now in the west it is nearer to 80 years (and in many countries over 80).
Given that premature death and the consequences of illness and injury have been so much delayed or reduced, why do we continue to maintain a defensive, anxious and negative mindset? The dangers of today are so limited compared to earlier times, but our reflective habits have not been updated. Being highly pessimistic no longer has the same rewards that it promised in the past as the underlying problems and situations have been resolved or eliminated
A major theme running through many reflections is that it is time to change your default wiring from fight or flight to well-being, joy and optimism. Being less cautious and more positive and optimistic does not mean being reckless or stupid, rather it allows for more joy, wellness and plenty.
Next time you have a choice about how to frame your present moment, allow for the possibility that everything many turn out to be rather wonderful or okay. Like a computer, re-set your default reflex and reaction to YES and joy rather than NO and fight or flight.
For further reading you may find the following book inspiring (I certainly did):
Solve For Happy: Engineer Your Path to Joy, Mo Gawdat, bluebird books for life, 2017
Please freely share and widely, there are no copyright concerns.