Hope and Optimism are the key

Over a week has passed since Hurricane Katrina struck LA, MS, and AL. The Police is still trying to force people to evacuate New Orleans, relatives in other states are helping their suffering extended family, and millions of dollars have been raised to help the victims. If in five years we look at the victims that are now sheltered in Texas, we will see that some would have put their lives back together, they may have good jobs, and nice homes. In fact, for many, their quality of life will be higher than before the hurricane. Others might still be suffering from emotional scars, many might still be trying to land adequate employment, and maybe trying to decide where to live. Why would people that experience the same tragedy and receive the same financial help and other aid end up in such different circumstances? Hope and optimism are the key!

A solid sense of optimism is one of the strongest predictors of success and resiliency in life. Penn State was having difficulty predicting which students were more likely to graduate four years later. They had all kinds of data, but nothing was coming up as the key indicator. After they conducted psychological tests of students they found the strongest correlation of success was the student's level of pessimism or optimism. West Point Academy was also trying to understand which cadets were more likely to make it into the second year. This was a big issue since they were losing 10% in attrition. The key indicator was not SAT scores or fitness level, it was the degree of optimism. After 9/11 the most optimistic people were able to not only recover emotionally quicker, their state of well being was actually higher afterwards because they were overwhelmed with the outpouring of goodwill from so many people.

The good news is that optimism can be learned. When I coach clients who are working on increasing their level of happiness in life, we take a few weeks to improve their optimism. After just a few weeks, their level of happiness is measurably and sustainably higher. Of course, so is mine! Last night I talked with about 30 or so evacuees that are in Texas, Louisiana, and Tennessee. Despite the fact that most had lost their homes and jobs, I would say that at least 70% were already making optimistic comments. For example, one was overwhelmed with the love a family had shown to her by inviting her to their home. Another was excited about the number of jobs available in Dallas and a new apartment they had already gotten through a state agency. One was looking forward to living by his sister in Memphis. They realized that bad things do happen to good people. I talked to only a few people that were bitter and pessimistic, and they were not necessarily those that had the worst experience.

As we help the victims, let's not just give them money or jobs, let's help them find the goodness in their situation (there is always a blessing), help them understand that this difficult moment is not going to last, and that they are loved. Let us also pray that God blesses them with the virtue of Hope. “Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of Heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1817).

“Encircle me, oh God,
keep faith within
and pride without.
Encircle me, oh God,
keep hope within
and despair without.
Encircle me, oh God,
Keep love within
and hate without.”

A Celtic Prayer

Technorati Tags: Catholic, Hope, Katrina, Optimism, Spirituality

Comments

[Steve Bogner]

Hope and optimism help us look through, or past, the current hardships. They give us strength and vision, and that is essential.

My wife came from a very pessimistic family, but over the years has reoriented her world-view (living several hours away from them has its advantages). When we get together for family events now, it is amazing to see the contrasts. The Bogner family is full of hope and optimism, so we kind of stick out from the in-law crowd. And I love it!

[Hector]

Good for her! (and you...) Optimism can definitely be learned and improved with amazing results. For some people it comes naturally, for others it hard work, but the benefits are worth it. And of course, we can ask for God to help us..

[IVE KAST]

WE HAVE SO MUCH TO LEARN FROM THOSE WHO ARE IN PAIN RIGHT KNOW. A LOT OF THEM ARE NOT GIVING UP HOPE AND ARE HAPPY TO START ALL OVER AGAIN, EVEN IF THEY LOST EVERYTHING THEY HAD. WE HAVE EVERYTHING , HOME, CLOTHES, PETS ,FAMILY, JOBS, SCHOOLS, TOYS AND YET WE ALWAYS FIND SOMETHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT. LETS LEARN FOR THOSE COURAGEOUS PEOPLE WHO ARE STARTING THEIR LIVES ALL OVER AGAIN!!!!

[Hector]

Ive, thanks for your wise comments. At the end of the day, it all comes down to love. We may not have any more possesions, but if we love God and others we will be OK.

[elena]

i really enjoyed this entry, papi. i read it while taking a break from all the reading i had to do for my classes, and while i was feeling overwhelmed with the whole freshman experience. that entry really helped me put everything into perspective and chill out. life truly is what you make it. i know an extremely wise man who once said "life gives us only blessings and opportunities", and not a truer phrase has been said...

[Hector]

Elena, I did not make the connection between what I wrote about college/optimism and you.

The greatest gift God gave us is the gift of free choice. We are free to love him or not. We are also free in every moment of our lives, to choose how we respond to good or terrible things. Viktor Frankl chose to live a life of meaning in the WWII prision camps. Anne Frank chose gratitude while hiding in a small room for years. We choose how we respond to the stresses of life, including college life.

I'm glad the post helped you...