Optimism. Optimistic. Two small words can have a huge impact on the way someone lives. Our focus word this month at Swift Current Christian Taekwondo has been optimism, because now more than ever, people need hope.
- Since the beginning of COVID-19, calls to Canada Helpline for Youth have increased to a staggering 4 million calls from youth that have grown despondent over lockdowns.
Because you have the power to change your thinking or to help your child grow from pessimism to optimism. As a result of of changing the way people think, the benefits of having an optimistic mind are numerous:
- Overall happiness – Optimistic people are generally happier because the imagine events more positively and vividly than negatively.
- Better health – Optimistic people have healthier immune systems that fight off diseases. Pessimistic people are twice as likely to be ill and make up for twice the number of doctors visits. Pessimistic people tend to believe they are prone to illness and are bound to get worse.
- Better coping skills – Optimistic people put more effort into the things that when bad things happen, will habitually kick in positive thinking. They begin to look for ways for the situation to be better.
“Optimism and hope relate to how we think and feel about the future. If we really do believe that things will work out for the best, all the setbacks become easier to deal with,”.
Here are the three secrets of optimism:
3. Focus on the Positives! –
Pessimistic people tend to think that the universe is out to get them and bad things “always happen to them”. We all have bad days and we all have good days. For example, everyone has had positive moments in their lives that made them smile, laugh maybe even cry tears of joy.
I find that in Taekwondo, we are always building on successes. Our students know when they are doing well and give them something each and every class that they can take home with them!
“It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.”
2. Challenge Negative Thoughts –
This one is a little harder to do. Our negative thoughts are usually based on our own fears and doubts. To overcome these thoughts, they need to be continually challenged. Firstly, when confronted with these thoughts, write them down and then challenge them.
Secondly, what evidence is there that they are true? That they are not? Try acting opposite of what you would normally do and very importantly, you may find that those negative predictions won’t come true.
Martial arts is a great place to overcome negative thoughts. New and older students are faced with things they have never attempted before. Soon, the “I can’t” is replaced by “I did” and believe me, there is nothing better than seeing the happiness and pride on someone’s face when they do.
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”
1. Create Positive Sayings –
This one is one of my favourites. People that fill their minds with negative self talk are adding fuel to the fire. Turn it around by saying something positive, a quote you heard someone say. Write them down and believe in them! I encourage you to write down a new one down every day.
Swift Current Christian Taekwondo focuses on the tenets of Taekwondo before each and every class. This allows a student’s mind to leave negative stuff at the door and focus on the virtuous aspects of Taekwondo.
Integrity, Courtesy, Perseverance, Self Control and Indomitable Spirit. Each tenet then likewise referred to by a piece of Scripture. Its good for the mind and it’s good for the soul.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13
Good luck with your journey! If you enjoyed this article, feel free to give a like and a share! We’d love to hear what things you have found that get you through those negative thoughts.
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1 Comment
Carrie Voysey · May 16, 2021 at 8:37 pm
I feel … optimistic!
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