Optimsim, a rose and the other side of the door

I am often curious when a particular thought is on my mind, and remains there unless and until I address it in some manner. It acutally keeps appearing before me in different ways, visually, verbally, and otherwise as if to be tapping me on the shoulder, sometimes knocking me upside the head as if to say, "hey, listen to me!" That thought of late for me, is Optimism.

For as long as I can recall, I have been an intrinsically optimistic person. In spite of very real, and challenging circumstances, or when I have wanted to throw the biggest pity-party (and keep partying in the pity) I find myself moving forward - in spite of it all.

Optimism  \ˈäp-tə-ˌmi-zəm\  is an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome.

In other words, as the ol' saying goes, with my Terri-twist to it, "when life gives you lemons, add some sugar darlin' and make your sweet self some lemonade."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of my favorite philosphers, Kahlil Gibran once said, "The optimist sees the rose and not its thorns; the pessimist stares at the thorns, oblivious of the rose."  

 

Different than hope, optimism is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out. Optimism is the bud, the bloom, inspite of the thorns. It compels us forward.

 

I created this piece and some companion pieces to go with it waaaaaaay back in 2007 - and while they did not go to print as desired then, the art is now on other products in the marketplace - (see JoAnn's for decorative boxes with this art).  A positive, all in all. (a very light hearted example, I know).

 

In all honesty, many of us are faced with real life challenges, lost jobs, cut wages, foreclosures, and the list goes on - we can be defined by our challenges, or, challenge ourselves to walk through these closed doors, knowing, believing there is indeed something more on the other side.

 

In the photo below, do you see a closed door, or the many possibilities of what waits for you on the other side?  Print the photo, tuck it in your journal and write about the many possibilities on the other side door for you.

 

I see a beautiful renaissaince faire in a lush garden, with booths, and each booth has a sign: peace, prosperity, security, love, comfort, success, faith, hope (create your own signs)...you're given a basket as you enter the faire, and you may approach as many booths as you deisre, and have your basket filled with what is offered. 

 

What do you see? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Optimism, I guess this is why I became an artist -

 

xoxo

 

Terri

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Diane Knott]

Hi Again Terri! I always love reading your so uplifting messages! I must confess that I have been very remiss in my blogging pursuits lately and only have had time to post some pictures that I hope offer some glimpses of a life that can be tranquil in its simplicity. There is so much peace in the little things and when we get right down to it, probably 99% of life's events are the simple everyday parts of our waking hours. Just a morning cup of coffee or tea or a late afternoon glass of wine should be focused upon as a blessing. Or the clouds that have been bringing too much rain because they are actually beautiful! And miraculous! Just think about this "terrarium" called "earth"!

Your art always appeals to me in such a restful way. I think you are an "old soul". That's a good thing.

Blessings,
Diane

[Ana]

Hello Terri:

I have discovered you across forum licensing and like that I have seen your designs and I love with your elegance and harmony in the colors and the forms.

I am optimistic for nature, always I try to see the good side of the things that happen to me and it has given me strength(fortress) opposite to the adverse circumstances and I have happened(passed) for very painful situations that had knocked down another person.

I read often in Dale Carnegie's book a phrase " collaborates you with the inevitable thing " to rebel does not lead anything but that to the nervous shock.

[Joy Hall]

What a beautiful post. My favorite part...

"we can be defined by our challenges, or, challenge ourselves to walk through these closed doors, knowing, believing there is indeed something more on the other side."

Thanks Terri!