According to Webster' s Unabridged Dictionary, optimism, "is an inclination to anticipate the best possible outcome." To redefine it psychologically: optimism is the tendency to seek out, remember and expect pleasurable experiences. It is an active priority of the person -- not merely a reflex that says, "Take a look on the sunny side."

For some of us, optimism is learned after experiencing serious difficulties, while others were brought up to emphasize the positive.

I started learning this habit in my late teens, while my youngest sister started before adolescence.

Our thinking habits are just that --habits. Are yours worth catching? You choose your attitude. You determine whether life events, people' s comments or situations wipe you out or propel you forward.

Although, I am not so naive as to think once you decide to "have a positive attitude," it happens and life falls into place.

The first step is to become aware of your natural tendency. Many people say they're positive and say uplifting things, but moan and groan internally or to close friends.

A true "positive attitude" is one that you have whether anyone' s listening or not.

I'll share some more thoughts on this in our next issue.

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