Good morning!

There are definite optimists in life.  There are also definite pessimists.  There is another group of people, a large group, that I will label “poptimists.”  “Poptimists” are optimists at heart – yet their level of disbelief forces them to “pop” their hope as soon as they create it.  They are so convinced that nothing will work, because very few things have, that each ray of hope also carries a shadow of doubt.  Yet they are pessimists – because they haven’t given up.  They still know how to hope.

If we use today’s quote to visualize a “poptimist,” a poptimist would be wearing a parachute while sitting in the airplane.  She doesn’t want to get off the plane really, because she knows there has to be something better.  Yes, she isn’t willing to let go of her safety net and disbelief long enough to truly enjoy the scenery that is visible from the plane.  Her vision is constantly hampered by her parachute.

The biggest challenge for the poptimist is letting go.  A popimist must learn to trust themselves and trust in life.  You can’t truly experience the journey if you are constantly waiting for the “other shoe to drop.”  This would be like trying to enjoy a Sunday drive with the parking brake on.  We can’t move forward, when we doubt the steps ahead of us.

Your Turn:  Are you an optimist, pessimist, or poptimist?  If you relate to the idea of “poptimism,” make an effort to put down your parachute so you can fully enjoy life.  Suspend your disbelief for an hour, and talk nicely to yourself.  Then challenge yourself to do it for two hours, then three, then a day, until you embrace a shadowless heart of hope.

Today’s affirmation:  I let go of doubt and disbelief, knowing that I deserve the best and can create the best.

And as always, don't forget to start your day with a heartfelt: "Something great is going to happen today... I can't wait to see what it is!"

And when ending your day ask yourself: "What is one more thing I can do to make today matter?

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