Learning to be optimistic - helpful information for
parents
It's often difficult to feel optimistic when you or a member of
your family, or a close friend has cancer, but if you can it
is really helpful.
We help children and their families celebrate the simple things
that help bring happiness by creating a supportive community
where families have permission to laugh. We believe
'laughter is the best medicine'!
What is optimism?
Optimism means focusing on the positive side of life. It is part
of 'positive psychology' which is all about how to increase levels
of psychological and subjective wellbeing.
Positive psychology research focuses on what is
right in people; what makes people happy or resilient
and what increases satisfaction and wellbeing.
There are three key areas:
1. Positive emotion
How we increase our levels of happiness on a daily basis.
Areas such as resilience and optimism, emotional set range and the
happiness pie. (Forty per cent of our level of happiness is within
our control, 50% is DNA and 10% is circumstance.)
2. Engagement
Using our strengths and doing the things we are good at
and that we excel in increases our satisfaction.
3. Meaning
The sense of meaning and fulfilment we get from life. This is
often more about what we give back, the relationships and
connections we make, rather than what we can get for ourselves.
Written by Sue
Langley. Sue is a positive psychologist. Check out her practical tips.