Chasing Down The Muse: Seeing the glass half full

“The benefits of optimism cannot be overstated, even by an optimist.”

— Melvin Durai

The waves seemed to launch themselves at the shoreline. Roiling white foam was a stunning backdrop to the swoop and glide of pelicans and cormorants. On the rocky shore gulls and a lone pair of yellow-legged black oystercatchers shouted encouragement to the intrepid divers, perhaps hoping to enjoy some leftovers themselves. On this day between storms, the sea lions basked on the offshore rocks in the sun, content for the moment to simply rest. What a day! How lucky we are to be here to see it!

We are not even through the first month of the year, and yet we — as members of a much larger community and as individuals as well — have encountered some challenges and uphill battles already. Health-care reform continues to struggle to find answers. Individuals have lost loved ones. Port-au-Prince, in Haiti, has suffered devastation beyond imagination. Wars continue to rage. Storms threaten to create flooding and mudflow to many here in Southern California. The economic “downturn” persists for far too many. Tempers are short. Petty grievances proliferate.

In “Home Safe,” by Elizabeth Berg, one of the characters, Midge, says, “It is a terrible world. Also it is one of incalculable beauty. You know that.”

Yes, I do. And many of us persist in the optimistic view that things are going to get better. More to the point even: We can survive all of this and perhaps even be better for it. Is optimism alone enough, though? The answer is not a simple one.

When another character, Helen, says that she has forgotten about the beauty, Midge goes on to say, “That’s why you have to do something to remember it.” We can all do the same.

As in other times when the going has been tough, people rally to help each other. We innovate. We create. We “get going.” Forget that saying about “when the going gets tough, the tough go shopping” (although in some ways that, too, is helpful now).

The real key lies in hope, optimism, caring and taking responsible action, rather than apathy and cynicism. The persistence in optimistic beliefs flies in the face, often, of facts.

The word “optimism” is defined as a disposition or tendency to look on the more favorable side of events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome.

It is believed also that there is such a thing as unrealistic optimism and even what is known as “optimism bias.” These are manifest in the tendency to think bad things will happen only to others and to underestimate risks.

Perhaps there is a spectrum of optimism. Because it is believed, as American psychologist Martin Seligman found, that optimism is a learned behavior, it is possible that looking for the best aspects of things — the gifts to be found in the painful moments — is merely a revised way of thinking — one that we can learn.

We, as a nation, are already discovering the myriad ways in which we can find gifts in the struggle. As we did after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, we find new ways to come together to help those in need and gain strength in unity.

My horoscope for Jan. 17 stated the following optimistic thought: “Believe first, then you’ll see.”

Optimism. A tough call when all around seems to challenge that view. And yet, to be optimistic is a choice — one that we can and I do make daily.

Sometimes, it is in spite of myself and in spite of the information that I seem to be receiving.

And, while I do not usually read daily horoscopes, it was refreshing on that recent Sunday to be reminded to first believe and that then I will see. One’s outlook can mean a lot.

My own outlook continues to be replenished by frothy waves, diving birds and stunning sunsets. That is a lot.

CHERRIL DOTY is prone to optimism while exploring the mysteries of life, yet sometimes needs to remind herself as we all do. You can contact her at (714) 745-9973 or by e-mail at cherril@cherrildoty.com