Optimism:

1. a disposition or tendency to look on the more favorable side of events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome.

2. the belief that good ultimately predominates over evil in the world.

3. the belief that goodness pervades reality.

4. the doctrine that the existing world is the best of all possible worlds.

Pessimism:

1. the tendency to see, anticipate, or emphasize only bad or undesirable outcomes, results, conditions, problems, etc.: His pessimism about the future of our country depresses me.

2. the doctrine that the existing world is the worst of all possible worlds, or that all things naturally tend to evil.

3. the belief that the evil and pain in the world are not compensated for by goodness and happiness.

Pollyanna:

1. an excessively or blindly optimistic person.

adjective

2. ( often lowercase ) . Also, Pol·ly·an·na·ish. unreasonably or illogically optimistic: some pollyanna notions about world peace.

Optimal use of Optimistic Outlook

Upon superficial logical examination an optimistic outlook seems irrational. After all, if one is pessimistic one expects the worst and will never be disappointed. With an optimistic outlook disappointment is a possibility. If your goal is to avoid disappointment then, you must adopt a pessimistic attitude.

Examining further the ramifications of maintaining an optimistic outlook we can list some possible benefits that have been suggested.

1. Stronger immune system
2. Lower risk for disease, anxiety, and sleeping disorders
3. Improved focus
4. Reduced stress
5. An increased lifespan
6. More energy
7. Better relationships with yourself, your family, and your friends

An optimistic, therefore, a happy state of mind, is difficult to maintain in the face of life’s daily challenges. Sometimes people who are excessively happy despite their troubles can be viewed as pollyannas, or worse. However, as has been suggested, for better health, it is wise to risk facing disappointment rather than always expecting calamity.

One way to help yourself in your effort to remain upbeat, optimistic, and happy is smiling. Practice smiling in mirror, a happy face is contagious and it has been said by some that smiling actually causes the brain to release endorphins, serotonin, and other natural pain killers. (http://joannecipressi.com/smiling-produces-happy-hormones-more-than-chocolate-smile-more/) (http://www.bettyphillipspsychology.com/id105.html)

Optimistic Quotes

“What we think, we become. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.” –The Buddha

“A pessimist sees the difficulty(calamity) in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty (calamity).” –Winston Churchill

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

“Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.” – William James

“We must become the change we wish to see in the world.” – Mohandas(mahatma) Gandhi

-anonymous quotes:

“Life is what you make of it.”

“Every cloud has a silver lining.”

“A life lived in fear is a life half lived.”

“Happiness is a state of mind.”

“Change comes from within.”

(http://www.joyprogram.com/optimistic-otpimism.php)

Keep smiling.