Today, we're looking at another important technique for becoming a more optimistic person: mindfulness. If we let our minds react to the events of the day in their habitual manner, we'll never get out of the negativity loop we find ourselves trapped in. So, we're going to have to give our minds an edge. To do that, we have to take advantage of some techniques in the morning and evening that will make our ability to be optimistic during the day a little easier.  Thanks for listening! Show notes:  https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/how-train-your-brain-be-more-optimistic-ncna795231 

Today, I want to continue along the same theme as episode 1 and talk about the other side of the input coin. The first side was about the information inputs with which we feed our minds. But today, I want to look at the other major influence on our ability to change from being pessimistic people into hopeful and optimistic people. Specifically, we need to talk about the people who are closest to us, who have the most influence over our lives. We talk about how our brains sync up with the people around us, how we are broadcasting our subconscious thoughts and feelings to those in close proximity, whether we're a good influence for others in our lives, and what to do when that negative person is someone you can't get rid of!

In the inaugural episode of the Recovering Pessimist, I want to share with you one of the biggest lessons I've learned when it comes to becoming an optimist. The movie "Tomorrowland" popularized this proverb that has been around for a while. Cassie says, "There are two wolves and they are always fighting. One is darkness and despair. The other is light and hope. Which wolf wins?" Do you know which wolf wins? If you don't, listen to today's episode!

Hi.  My whole life, I've been a pessimist. In fact, you might even say I was a jerk. I was cynical and negative. I was a pain in the..., well, you know. I wasn't someone you'd want to spend much time with. I might be able to crack some jokes and make you laugh here and there, but the majority of what I'd talk about would be negative.  So, in 2017 I decided I was going to change. I was going to become a positive person. You might say, "you can't just decide." Well, I did. It was a resolution I made that year. And you know what, it worked. Not overnight. But over time I did become a more positive person. I even had someone say about me "He's so optimistic" I couldn't believe it.  I was doing well.  Then came 2020.  Then 2021.  And I'm way off track again. Just like a lot of addicts reverted to old habits during the pandemic, I reverted to pessimism and negativity.  I've been trying for a few weeks to get it back, but it's harder now than it was before. So, I decided to launch a podcast to hold myself accountable. I've had the idea for a while, but never acted on it. And maybe that was for the best. Because maybe now, we can go on the journey together. And maybe if we do it together, it will be more helpful for us both.  I invite you to join me on this journey. If you're a pessimist who wants to change, let's do it together. If you're an optimist who used to be a pessimist, share your tips and ideas with me. Text them or leave a message at 360-798-1457.  The world doesn't need any more cynics and pessimists. We have an abundance of them. What we need now, more than ever are optimists. People who have hope. People who have a bigger perspective on life. Right now we need people who are hopeful and optimistic. Will you join me?  Hi. My Name is David. And I'm a Recovering Pessimist.