I just wanted to share a little article just as a reminder for you to find joy through these electricity blackouts that are keeping you away from AU

The French magazine Psychologies(January 2005)confirms that very little research has been done into factors that influence optimism because 'science is not interested in happy people.' Nonetheless, the psychologists and psychotherapists quoted in the magazine believe that the aptitude for optimism is not genetically determined. In other words: anyone can learn to be optimistic. All it requires is courage and practice, along with a good grasp of reality. Positive examples around can also help: people associating with others who are optimistic become optimistic themselves. And just as children of depressed parents are more prone to depression, psychologists believe the reverse is also true. Optimism breeds optimism.

The U.S. magazine Balanced Living (winter 2004) also comes to the same conclusion: that an optimistic attitude can be 'cultivated.' You have to 'work' at it, according to the magazine. 'Satisfaction is something you have to practice.' And therein lies a challenge. Most of us are more aware of how to practice dissatisfaction: we worry about money, complain about our boss and compare ourselves to others. But satisfaction starts with accepting what you have and what you can’t change. Balanced Living advises regularly saying the following affirmation:

What I have, is enough.

What I am, is enough.

What I do, is enough.

What I’ve achieved, is enough.

This consciousness teaches you to value what you have and to enjoy the moment-which is the beginning of a satisfied and optimistic attitude towards life.

The American business magazine Fast Company (April 2005) adds that optimists understand that change is a given. History teaches us that unpleasant circumstances ultimately fade away. But change is a slow process, 'one person at a time.' So there’s no point in getting depressed about any current situation. Optimists can enjoy a half-full glass in an imperfect world, according to the publication. In other words: optimism is a choice.