Become An Eternal Optimist

What Monk Yogi Ramen taught me

Metanoia is a Greek word that means to change one's ways. This word signifies my new resolve. For the longest time in my adult life, I lived in a state of worry. What could be and what shouldn't be worried me. This led to a constant state of anxiety- the modern lexicon for worry.

I was reading Robin Sharma's "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" when a statement jumped off the page and struck a cord in my soul. Like a man struck by the sheer beauty of a ravishing damsel, the following words were imprinted on the walls of my mind:

"Worry drains the mind of much of its power and, sooner or later, it injures the soul." It was reportedly said by Monk Yogi Ramen. Then came questions flooding my thoughts like an endless stream. As someone conversant with the workings of the mind. I knew instantly nature was speaking to me to look inward.

In my contemplations, I started asking why we worry so much. Why do we often live unsatisfying lives? The key to all great accomplishments lies within the mind. Peace. Love. Fulfillment. Security.

Life is difficult. Our minds always look for ease. Negative thoughts are easier to retain than positive thoughts. It is easier to be a victim than a villain. It is easier to see what is wrong than what's right. It is easier to react than act. It is easier to critique than to do.

We think an average of 60,000 thoughts every day. Imagine if 90% of them are about outcomes you can't control. Thoughts are revolving wheels. You are most likely going to think of the same thing you thought about yesterday the next day. You must understand as Robin Sharma pointed out in his book, "the mind is a wonderful servant but a terrible master."

Most of the ancients understood this. Even the profligate King of the Old Testament, Solomon had this to say; "Guide your heart with all diligence from out of it proceeds the issues of life."

What is one vital key to having a healthy mind? Guard your morning routines. It helps your mind. Most people start and end their days on social media. I am sometimes guilty of this. The dopamine rush rarely affords us the time for meditative thoughts. Rituals are very important. Develop healthy rituals like meditation. One of the ways to have a very still mind is to stay off social media or limit usage.

Develop strength. Strength is never in physical prowess but in the sturdiness of your mental ability. I believe that "He who shows strength has none but be careful of he who neither displays nor portrays himself as strong."

My moments of introspection lead me to one resolve; I have set out to be an eternal optimist. To see only the good at all times. Life is too short to dwell on the negatives. Never wait until it is too late to appreciate what you have.

“It is not that we have so little time but that we lose so much. The life we receive is not short but we make it so; we are nill-providedded but use what we have wastefully.”

-Seneca-

Hey, you reading this right now, I love you and appreciate you.

Be kind enough to respond via text, e-mail, mail, or whatever means appeal to you. The comment section would be fine as well.

Thank you for reading.

Selah!!!