Magic of the First Big Snowfall

By: Jackie Monroe

It's all about the view, right? Well, residents of the mid-Michigan area (among others!) woke up to the view of a winter wonderland!  As winter is now "officially" here, instead of getting bent out of shape about the extra time it will take you to clean of your car, commute to work, etc. when it snows, why not reframe your attitude with an optimistic perspective?

Instead of looking at the negatives of such a big snow storm, why not take a few minutes to really marvel at the beauty and enchantment of it all? I promise it's more fun! 

As a friend of mine put it to me the other day: "All the time there is is all the time we have." Snow or not, why not just enjoy it? 

Photo credit: Jackie MonroePhoto credit: Jackie Monroe

Photo credit: Jackie MonroePhoto credit: Jackie Monroe

Optimism Inspired by Whale Watching and Swimming with Them

By Dr. Russ

Blue whales, which can measure 100 feet and weigh 150 tons, are the largest creatures ever to inhabit the planet. There are about 10,000 worldwide. About 2,000 feed off California each summer and fall, almost exclusively on tiny shrimp-like krill. 

For more optimism check out this video!

What does a homemade video of a Blue Whale swimming have to do with optimism?

1. As the largest animal on the planet, the Blue Whale by its shear size is awe inspiring.
2. Even more awe inspiring, the Blue Whale is the largest creature ever to have lived on earth – larger than the largest dinosaurs.   
3. Another awesome fact:  They are the loudest animals on earth.  Their low frequency call whistle reaches levels of 188 decibels and can be heard over hundreds of miles; is louder than a super sonic jet which peaks out at 140 decibels.   
4. I am always full of the wonderment of the beauty of the universe as I watch something this large move through the water with such grace.
5. Optimists are risk takers and this kayaker has been criticized for possibly endangering himself by getting too close.
6. Optimism can be fed by the curiosity of why the largest creature on earth feeds on some of the smallest, shrimp krill, which are plentiful off the coast of California this time of year.
7. Optimists get to know their neighbors, and if we can get to know them without harming them or interfering with their habitat, then we are promoting optimism.
8. It is estimated that there are 10,000 Blue Whales in the world, and they are considered an endangered species as are all whales which were over hunted for many years.  The fact that they are endangered is not optimistic.  But, knowing that they are endangered allows for the optimist to act in productive ways to protect them from further endangerment and help their numbers grow.
9. Whales are mammals like us and they breathe air through two “blow holes.”  Hey, they are more like us than previously thought.   Despite the risk, it was really quite interesting to see this kayaker swim next to the whale who seemed to be smiling.  (How is that for optimistic anthropromorphizing?)
10. The hope of learning and learning more and more about the universe is triggered by the question:  Why are Blue Whales still alive today and not the Dinosaur?

A simple exercise in relaxation for better health

By: Jackie Monroe

It's Wednesday.  We've made it over half way thru the week! How's your optimism doing?

Have you taken some time out for yourself this week? Are you taking care of your mental, physical, and spiritual health? In order to be the most effective people we were meant to be, we must be balanced and aware of how our day to day stressors are impacting our health. As they say, "your wealth is your health."

Take moment to relax.  Take a few minutes for yourself and be washed by "The Water." This is the new amazing time lapse video by photographer Terje Sørgjerd.  If this cinematic gem can't bring your stress level down a few notches, you really need to unwind! Check out the TSO Photography Facebook page to see more amazing videos and images!

God Given Optimism in Nature and Natural Disasters

By Dr. Russ

As we have been hit by a 'plethora' of natural disasters--mostly in the form of tornadoes in Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Alabama--we are driven to ask, "Why so much destruction and disaster?"  When a twister wipes out half the buildings in Joplin, Missouri, killing over 125 people we are left with "Why?"

I do not believe we can answer why without looking up to God and within for our personal response to the natural disaster.  Looking up requires seeking private counsel, advice and answers through prayer.  Looking within requires us to develop a response that builds more meaning into the optimism of our lives.  In other words, each person can ask, through prayer, how they can contribute to the rebuilding effort and in so doing experience the meaning and optimism of giving to others in need.

We also can look to the scriptures for guidance:  Psalm 65: 5-13 reminds us that God takes care of the earth and nature.  Here are some key words and phrases from the Psalm that demonstrate this point.

• You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds  . . .  hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas, who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength, who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves . . . (versus 5-7)

The above three versus remind me that God created the universe and has ultimate power over it.

These next five versus (9-13) sing of God the farmer who cares for his land and creation.

• You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it. You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops. You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance. The grasslands of the wilderness overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness. The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing.

It was not that long ago that we humans discovered that forest fires are not the enemy of humans, but the friend of nature.  A forest fire clears out the old and dead debris in the forest so that new growth can occur.

I believe the optimistic message to be searched for in any disaster is the one that speaks to rebirth, new growth, and opportunities for Spring to come at least once a year.

I know it is not easy to see or read this message when standing in the mist of the ruble of your own or a neighbor’s home, or trying to grieve the loss of a loved one.  But the message is there; a unique one for each and every individual.  You were left here to carry out a mission, and the disaster may be a way for each to discover that meaning for themselves.

When we discover this meaning we can sing and feel this song of JOY (verse 8).

• The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.