No doubt about it, the year 2020 is about to go down in human history as one of the most unusual periods of time, and not only because of Covid 19, but in the myriad of ways people have reacted to the various aspects of the previous 12 months, it seems to have amplified, or perhaps a better word would be delineated, our behaviours. Personally, I have seen some people remain positive, while others steadfastly hold onto their negative behaviours, and the third group who are… What's the word… Indifferent. All this has me thinking, what exactly is it that maintains a person's outlook on life? Are we simply creatures of habit, blindly following routines? I don't think so.
In recent years I've become very aware that my own personal outlook on life remains overall very positive. Even when I perceived difficulty, my tendency is to immediately go into problem-solving mode. When I cannot control something, and I am becoming more aware of this as I grow older, I tend not to expend energy on what I cannot alter. Sometimes going as far as making a silent agreement with whatever the event is to "let bygones be bygones for the time being". There may be a mental note made to revisit the issue later on, as opportunity an change present themselves. Indeed I am usually thankful for the event regardless of it being positive or negative because it is an opportunity to be aware.
While writing this very text I have suddenly become cognizant of the answer to the question posed by the title of this post "What makes a positive outlook on life possible?". It is two things:
- Awareness of the moment or situation.
- Engagement, undertaking to influence or decide what to do.
Above all, not to pretend that the situation doesn't exist. Even if the engagement is the decision to make up one's mind about the issue later. But make the action of deferment on your decision sincere make sure to come back and deal with it.
One is not separate from the situation regardless of what it is. There will always be some aspect under a person's control. And of the two points mentioned above "engagement" is the most important. That means being involved with whatever is happening in a very active way. Not being passive and waiting for the answer to come to you. Like everything else in life, it works best when you strive outside of your routines and habits.
Overreliance on habits weakens one's ability to challenge and adapt to new experiences. One begins to take things for granted and slowly loses their connection to the joy in life. In short keep changing when something is too easy find something just a tiny bit scary and undertake it.
I understand now, that in many cases where people are apathetic they are often times holding on to the behaviours rather than spending energy on either being aware or affecting their situation. Simplifying their thought processes down to habitual routines. This cannot have a good effect on any aspect of the person, because over time one would effectively shut down their own cognitive abilities. The self-induced, but very real, extremely mild, coma like state. The result would be someone who never explores and always looks for the familiar, the routine, so they just don't have to think about anything. Regardless of belief system, one must to knowledge that, I wore life as we know it is very brief. Life is a unique experience in that each day cannot be repeated and the future is always full of mystery if one is aware, so let's not waste it.
Here we are again back at the Matrix (opens in a new window) movie parallel. And of course, just like in the movie, if one misses the opportunity to be aware of their situation and be engaged in the same they become prime targets for manipulation. Because someone else has to do for them whatever they are not doing themselves.
Egad I have just scared myself, because I know quite a few people that fit into that matrix category. They seek only what is already established. Never looking for that new experience, that colourful paintbrush if you will. Moreover they tend to be very reliant, if not needy, on other people. Constantly asking and deferring all responsibility for action. They want the new smart TV set or other gizmo. But when they get they rely on others to set it up, because sending something new up involves the very thing they don't want-The New Experience.
Oh what a bizarre situation... Well I am very glad that I love new experiences :-)! I hope this short little article inspires all who read it to be aware of their surroundings and involved in their own lives. Because when you are you realize there is opportunity and magic every time you become aware of your surroundings.
Continue to explore everyone and see you next year in 2021!
Take care Patrick
