Perspective
One of my favourite artists, and a cherished talent of Prince Edward Island, is Karen Gallant. Explore her inspired works here.
“Perspective is everything when you are experiencing the challenges of life.” - Joni Eareckson Tada
When I thought of writing a newsletter called the Inspired, I imagined writing it as much for me as for the reader.
My curiosity drives me to explore topics of interest and deepen my knowledge through writing. I am learning the importance of calibrating my mindset toward optimism rather than pessimism. Given the headlines these days, it’s easy to slip into negativity, but I am trying to maintain a positive outlook. The practice of writing helps me stay on that path.
In a few cases, I have learned through the University of Hard Knocks that there is a danger of being overly optimistic. It can lead one to overestimate positive outcomes while underestimating risks, sometimes resulting in unwise decisions. Additionally, toxic positivity can cause people to overvalue positive feelings while ignoring or repressing negative ones, which may invalidate the struggles of those facing difficult times.
But honestly, it is not easy to remain optimistic sometimes. My upbringing was steeped in pessimism and negativity, making it a challenging environment from which to launch.
Yet, my brother and I developed a mindset of independence and determination. We refused to let authority or external doubt dictate our paths. I embraced the belief that I could forge my way, no matter what. But there were moments when the weight of negative words spoken into me burdened my psyche. Self-doubt and low self-esteem can play significant roles in life, also a lack of meaning or purpose can leave one feeling empty. But when one seizes challenges by the horns, it becomes a chance to grow strong.
I read Martin E.P. Seligman’s book Learned Optimism some time ago. He pioneered research in positive psychology, studying helplessness and well-being. His contributions shaped the field, advancing our understanding of optimism, resilience, and human flourishing.
His book presents a broader theory on the positive aspects of life. Although “Happiness” is difficult to define scientifically, he shapes the conversation in three distinct ways.
The Pleasant Life: focus on maximising positive emotions. And develop skills to enhance them.
The Engaged Life: Recognise and utilise your greatest strengths and talents. Integrating them into work, relationships, parenting, and leisure.
The Meaningful Life: goes beyond personal pleasure and engagement. It emphasises a deep connection to a greater purpose or cause.
He discovered teaching children to learn optimism before puberty but late enough in childhood so that they are metacognitive (capable of thinking about thinking) is a fruitful strategy.
So, how can we stay optimistic in light of the headlines these days?
"Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you." - Walt Whitman.
A psychological concept was introduced in the 1990s by psychologists Richard Tedeschi and Lawrence Calhoun called post-traumatic growth (PTG). They found that PTG allows individuals to find strength, meaning, and personal growth in challenges.
It is not the burden we carry—it is how we carry it.
Post-traumatic growth (PTG) comes from reflection, mindset shifts, and action. Instead of seeing adversity as a negative, we can reframe our thoughts to foster understanding and growth. We can ask ourselves, "What can this teach me?" "How can I grow from this?" Doing so shifts pain into purpose.
Gaining self-awareness through journaling and having philosophical and spiritual conversations with others helps with our growth and understanding.
Sometimes, hardship can reveal strengths like resilience and compassion; building a foundation for future challenges.
I've found taking action—through service, creativity, or learning—fuels healing. Post-traumatic growth isn’t about avoiding struggle. It's about growing stronger and wiser through it.
I appreciate this Chinese proverb, which reminds us that growth and refinement come through challenges.
“The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.”
Last but not least, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangaru Maathai said, “Every experience has a lesson to teach, and in that lesson, you see a silver lining.”
Inspiring Things…
Music: discovered Haevn’s music this week. Beautiful rhythms. Listen here.
Hearts of Women: Stitches from the Heart Quilt Guild. 2000 donated.
Tom Hanks Collect Typewriters: WOW…scroll down and just let the slide deck show you.
Have a wonderful day!
