Thinking Positively

This afternoon I was swapping out the decorations in my bedroom, because I have too much to display at one time.  Some of it is "official" art--things I've bought at home decor stores or art shows. Others are mementos from places we've been, or items the kids made that I've hung on to.

 Today as I was taking a picture off the wall, I stopped and took a good look at a small card, entitled The Optimist Creed, that's been stuck in the bottom of the frame for years. The words of the creed were inspiring:

Promise Yourself-

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. 

To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet. 

To make all your friends feel that there is something in them. 

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. 

To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best. 

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. 

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. 

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile. 

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. 

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

There was no author listed on the card. I like to attribute things correctly, but usually don't have luck finding the information online.  This time, though, I hit the jackpot. A Google search led me to the Website of Optimist International, an international service club organization which is "dedicated to 'Bringing Out the Best in Kids'".  The tenets of their Creed help develop optimism as a way of life.