Sunny Side Up Maintaining Optimism in Difficult Times
March is National Optimism Month, but the outlook comes easier to some of us than others. Regardless of your natural disposition, even the sunniest people can have difficulty keeping a cheerful disposition during the most challenging periods in their lives. Those who lean more toward pessimism have an even worse time seeing a brighter future for themselves. But while it might not come easy, your low points are when it’s most crucial to let optimism guide you. Optimism describes an overall outlook on life. Optimistic people tend to focus on the good things around them and see them as predictors of the future. When bad things happen, optimists generally believe they’re isolated incidents, not indicators of things to come. But that’s much harder to do when life throws you a major curveball, like a serious health diagnosis, financial loss, or divorce. But anyone can learn to embrace optimism, even in the most trying times. And those who do are likely better off for it. Research shows that people with a positive mindset are happier and more
motivated to reach their goals. Optimists are also more likely to experience reduced stress levels and improved mental and physical well-being.
So, how can you be optimistic when times are tough? Start by keeping an open mind. Remember that we sometimes look back at our most challenging experiences and see how they taught us a great deal or inspired us to grow. You can turn most challenges into an opportunity to create something better. Instead of asking yourself, “Why is this happening to me?” try to think, “What can I learn from this?” Humans are also capable of retraining their brains, something scientists call cognitive restructuring. Our minds take shortcuts and tend to think the same ways they have in the past. But you can make a conscious effort to redirect your thoughts. Take time to notice your negative thought patterns and assumptions. Then ask yourself whether they’re accurate and how you can re-frame them more positively. Remember, too, that optimism is not the same as feeling happy constantly. It’s normal, natural, and healthy to be sad or angry. But optimists learn to process their feelings while not giving up hope for something better. Seeing the world in a brighter light gives you the strength to keep going and come out happier on the other side.
Inspired by TheKitchyKitchen.com Irish Pancakes
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp baking soda
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1 large egg, beaten 1 cup buttermilk
Attorneys Christopher, Liana, Ashley, Sarina, Rosalie, and Rebecca, at an Inns of Court meeting.
1/2 tsp kosher salt 1 tbsp white sugar
2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
Directions
1.
In a bowl, sift the dry ingredients together. Set aside.
2.
In a skillet, brown 1 tbsp of butter.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the beaten egg, buttermilk, and browned butter. 4. In a constant stream, add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients while stirring. Do not overbeat! 5. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 tbsp of butter, stir until the skillet is coated, and then add a few large dollops of batter (about 3 inches wide) to the pan. Do not overcrowd. 6. Cook 4–5 minutes a side, until golden brown and cooked through. Serve with butter, jam, and syrup. 561-810-0170 • 3
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