Optimism In The Face Of Challenges – FEMCOMPETITOR MAGAZINE

March 22, 2020,

How can you be optimistic about the future when the news keeps battering you?

As reported by texastribune.org, “As of noon on Sunday, there are 68 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Texas, including 12 reported cases from the federal quarantine area at Lackland Air Force Base — though the number of actual cases could be much higher since only a small number of tests have been available.

Sunday night, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a guidance suggesting that organizers cancel or postpone any in-person events that include 50 people or more scheduled for the next eight weeks.”

fciwomenswrestling.com femcompetitor.com, fcielitecompetitor.com, pexels.com Andrea-Piacquadio-photo-credit

Then there was this news sound bite.

According to the Wall Street Journal, “Tensions are coming to a head as this South Florida city prepares for new infrastructure projects designed to fortify the low-lying island against increased flooding and sea-level rise.”

Global warming is sending the vibrant but low lying city of Miami a stern warning.

Miami is not alone.

The global travel and news information source thetravel.com adds, “Galveston is a resort city and port city known as a great destination for cruise ships and family weekends – and tourists flock here for the beaches and botanical gardens. However, like many ports and islands, the proximity of the water (the very thing that keeps so many coming back) is why Galveston is going to be flooded sooner rather than later. By 2060, nearly half of the livable land is likely to be flooded, and by 2100, over ninety percent will be underwater.”

The article went on to list 15 cities that are expected to be under water by 2050.

Yes, Miami is on that list as well.

Then there is this one.

As posted by ajc.com in Atlanta, “The National Association for Business Economics’ August 2019 survey of economists found that 38% of respondents believed another recession was coming for the U.S. in 2020. As concerns surrounding the new coronavirus mount, there’s also an economic toll looming.”

Economic toll? Who will pay for it? Look at the next issue.

The societal awareness team at heritage.org shares, “Families are the building blocks of civilization. That’s why America’s declining marriage rate is a real problem.

Studies show divorce and unwed childbearing cost taxpayers over $110 billion each year. But the real victims are children.

Children raised in single-parent homes are statistically more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol, exhibit poor social behaviors, and commit violent crimes. They’re also more likely to drop out of school.

And when it comes to fighting poverty, there is no better weapon than marriage. In fact, marriage reduces the probability of child poverty by 80%.”

We could go on. There are plenty of hefty subjects left from political corruption to gun violence, to drug and culture wars.

The world is truly a scary place.

And, still, an incredibly exciting one.

Is the glass still half empty? Or half full?

Yes, very full, if you choose to remain optimistic.

The Coronavirus outbreak and quarantines along with societal closures and travel bans have actually reduced air pollution.

This was verified at bloomberg.com who chronicled, “The impact of Italy’s nationwide quarantine that began this week can already be measured in lower air pollution levels and falling nitrogen dioxide emissions, with the decline particularly evident in the northern region that entered lockdown ahead of the rest of the country.”

There is a silver lining. Always. You just have to look for it. Perhaps read about it.

The team at Amazon is ready for you to purchase this book that might help.

Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your LifePaperback– January 3, 2006

by Martin E. P. Seligman (Author)

“The father of the new science of positive psychology and author of Authentic Happiness draws on more than twenty years of clinical research to demonstrate how optimism enhances the quality of life, and how anyone can learn to practice it. Offering many simple techniques, Dr. Seligman explains how to break an “I—give-up” habit, develop a more constructive explanatory style for interpreting your behavior, and experience the benefits of a more positive interior dialogue. These skills can help break up depression, boost your immune system, better develop your potential, and make you happier.

With generous additional advice on how to encourage optimistic behavior at school, at work and in children, Learned Optimism is both profound and practical–and valuable for every phase of life.”

Sounds good to us.

We need to keep looking for that silver lining. Even if it is not for ourselves but to inspire others around us including our friends, family and children.

The next book says so.

The Optimistic Child: A Proven Program to Safeguard Children Against Depression and Build Lifelong ResiliencePaperback– September 17, 2007

“The epidemic of depression in America strikes 30% of all children. Now Martin E. P. Seligman, the best-selling author of Learned Optimism, and his colleagues offer parents and educators a program clinically proven to cut that risk in half. With this startling new research, parents can teach children to apply optimism skills that can curb depression, boost school performance, and improve physical health. These skills provide children with the resilience they need to approach the teenage years and adulthood with confidence. Over the last thirty years the self-esteem movement has infiltrated American homes and classrooms with the credo that supplying positive feedback, regardless of the quality of performance, will make children feel better about themselves. But in this era of raising our children to feel good, the hard truth is that they have never been more depressed.”

The stakes are high and others are depending upon us to be positive, optimistic and continue to lead the way. Lead them from the darkness into the light.

And we still can.

“If you can’t give children optimism, then what are you doing?”… Matt Haig

View all negatives as temporary because in general they are.

As an example with the city of Miami, they are working on a solution.

Encouraging news comes from the legendary news and information group at miamiherald.com, who write, “The city’s new comprehensive plan includes concrete ways to adapt to sea level rise — like planting mangroves along the waterfront and raising sea walls — and to cut down on emissions, including plans to swap out city cars for electric vehicles.”

The plan could actually work.

Optimism is not just wishful thinking.

First recognizing that there is a problem is extremely important. Don’t place you head in the sand and hope that is just goes away.

Next begin to formulate a plan to address it. Do research and homework on the subject matter. Talk to others. Build a team.