Personally, I think that pessimism is a hidden epidemic. No, it's a pandemic because it's definitely a global concern. Like any "disease", it's damaging to our mental and physical health.
"Everything and everybody are beyond our control. It's a mistake to try to find reason in a nonsensical world. There is no absolute truth to grasp onto." If that isn't a dark, defeatist message, I don't know what is!
In part one, I suggested focusing on our thoughts.
In part two, I advised patience, hope, and determination.
In part three, I suggested that the inevitable storms of life are often necessary to take us to new levels. In other words, if we don't shake it up, we don't move forward.
Don't be Ruled by What Others say or Think.
The CEO of Wienerschnitzel is Cindy Galardi Culpepper. She is a Southern California socialite who took over the company after her husband passed away. As a pampered wife, she had not been accustomed to hard work. She was used to attending parties and indulging in luxury.
The all-male hierarchy at Wienerschnitzel immediately tried to shut her out. They labeled her, in her words, as a "blonde bimbo". In other words, they didn't expect much out of her. Some women would have been intimidated by their opinions; Gallardi ignored them.
Remember Your Past Victories and Strengths.
The Old Boys' Network got more than they bargained for. They didn't know what power laid buried deep within Gallardi. These men unleashed a raw strength they weren't expecting.
The strong lady was able to disregard their feelings because she recalled that she had made it through an unbelievably tough childhood. This CEO had survived before, and she could do it again. She merely had to dig deep within herself and find the resilience that had already helped her to overcome deep trials.
The message of society is that life makes no sense, and it never will. We can only expect metaphorical darkness. Such an idea cannot lead to happiness.
Overcomers like Cindy Galardi Culpepper teach us not to accept pessimism from ourselves or others. We may feel weak. Other people may try to weaken us, or disrespect us in some way. We can turn that around when we reject their opinions and access the strength that is deep within.
What victories do you remember today?