We relish in describing ourselves as optimists, and there’s nothing wrong with that – it’s a good thing to be optimistic. However, in my quieter moments, as I’ve pondered on this, I’ve thought of our expressions of optimism as often having more to do with our fears than anything else. It’s a sobering thought.
Optimism is often used as a kind of protective armour we put on to shield us from all the vagaries of life. It’s a way of dealing with our fears. We bury them under a layer of false optimism, while all the time they eat away at us.
Oscar Wilde once said, “The basis of optimism is sheer terror.” Sounds a bit extreme, but I think I’m beginning to understand something of what he meant.
May your new year be filled with authentic optimism and encouragement.
Snapshots Of My World 
Thanks for a well-considered holiday wish, Don. I have always been an optimist. Sometimes, I think you’re right, I’ve been hiding fear. Sometimes, I’ve just been naive (another lifelong trait). I like to think that authentic optimism can be contagious. Maybe, just maybe, it helps someone else.
I wish you all the best as the new year rolls in. Finding you back in business was one of the best things in 2019 for me.
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I so appreciate your comment, Dan. Getting to know you through your posts has been an absolute joy for me and that optimism you describe has always shone through your writing. Your practicality and earthiness are deeply valued. Thank you for your kind words. Immensely appreciated.
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So true Don, I like what Dan said, sometimes I was just naive also. Going with the flow. Fear will definitely hold you back. Great words Don.
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Thanks Sandra. And thank you again for the marvellous words you shared in that post. Have a wonderful new year.
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Thank you for the good wishes. May you experience the same in 2020. 🙂
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Thank you, Lynette. May it be a joyful and creative year for you.
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This resonates Don. Thank you for the reflection 💕 Overly optimistic people seem to be convincing themselves that everything will be okay. They come from fear that it won’t be okay and often don’t want to feel what needs to felt.
Genuine optimism’s is knowing deep down that everything really is okay … no matter what is happening, and how it impacts us.
Trusting in what is unfolding.
Not an easy task these days. But always worth coming back to and evaluating 🤔
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Thank you Val. I love your line, “Genuine optimism is knowing deep down that everything is really okay.” It’s such a sane and wholistic definition. You say it better than me.😊
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Thank you for your wishes, Vicki. I love the way you tie or define optimism within the bounds of mindfulness. I also find find your last sentence deeply meaningful.
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….and may your own New Year be filled with more reflections and wise observations on life.
I don’t think I’m a particularly Optimistic Person per se – merely a lover of living Mindfully each day and enjoying whatever there is to enjoy in this present moment. Optimism seems to be too far in the future for me to contemplate.
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Thank you for your wishes, Vicki. I love the way you tie or define optimism within the bounds of mindfulness. I also find find your last sentence deeply meaningful.
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This is an interesting take on optimism, Don. I’d never thought about that perspective. Thanks! This is an idea to ponder.
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Thanks, LuAnne. Glad you enjoyed it.
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