“Promise Yourself

To be so strong that nothing
can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity
to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel
that there is something in them
To look at the sunny side of everything
and make your optimism come true.

To think only the best, to work only for the best,
and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past
and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times
and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world,
not in loud words but great deeds.
To live in faith that the whole world is on your side
so long as you are true to the best that is in you.”
― Christian D. Larson, Your Forces and How to Use Them

NOTE: Think of the ways in which your life would change if you applied the optimism principles set forth by Christian Larsen. It all begins in how we see ourself. Are you able to love yourself with all of your flaws? Are you able to forgive yourself for past failures and disappointments? When we can love ourself unconditionally, we free ourself to love others and work to bring out the best in them. Become cognizant of your self talk. When you become aware of self talk that is criticizing or condemning, stop and replace the negative self talk with complimentary talk. Sure, we all make mistakes, instead of saying, “that was dumb” we can say, “What can I learn from that.” Or, one I like to use, “Thanks for the lesson.”