The original item was published from July 8, 2022 3:54 PM to July 8, 2022 3:54 PM
Office of Justice Initiatives
Perpetual Optimism is a Force Multiplier.
The word, honor, includes selfless service as a part of its definition. That leads us to these questions: What is honor without service? What is service without optimism? With the celebration of Veterans Day in our rearview mirror, who is better to quote about honor or service than the late Colin Powell? He stated that “Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.” There is honor in optimism. Imagine a soldier in the landmine-ridden fields of Cambodia not believing in themselves, their purpose or believing they will make it out. Perpetual optimism is constantly believing conditions will improve and that the future must be brighter.
Documented evidence continues to prove that being optimistic has measurable benefits. Optimists live longer. They have happier lives and handle adversity better. Optimism is not the denial of reality nor is it toxic positivity. Optimism is different from positivity. In reality, optimism is about believing that there’s something better on the other side of the present circumstance or reality. Optimism is about acknowledging light at the end of the tunnel even amidst darkness.
The staff of the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Program has a front-row seat to tragedy and hardship on a daily basis. There is no better way to honor these families than by radiating an extra dose of optimism every day. We have learned that a person could push a nail through a wood plank with her bare hand. But if that same person had a hammer, the task is much easier. Let optimism be your hammer. Think the best. Expect the best. Be optimistic.
