Imagine a world where setbacks are the stepping stones to greater things. A world where optimism isn’t just a passing feeling, but a strategy for navigating life’s challenges.
Meet Jess Ekstrom, the author of “Chasing the Bright Side.” She’s on a mission to show us that optimism isn’t about being positive all the time. It’s about using the energy of possibility to create a life you love.
Jess Ekstrom’s journey began with a simple yet profound idea: adversity can spark positive change. Inspired by her time interning at Make-A-Wish, she founded Headbands of Hope, which donates headbands to children battling cancer for every headband purchased. Her book, “Chasing the Bright Side”, shares moments of life when she didn’t just magically find the bright side and had to chase it
Understanding Optimism:
Optimism isn’t just a feel-good emotion; it’s the seed for growth. It’s the hope that there is something better possibly ahead. The secret lies in embracing possibilities even in the face of fear.
Embrace the unknown, it’s better to try and fail than regret not trying at all. Our stories shape how we internalize experiences, We’re all naturally optimistic as children; we lose it as we experience life, listen to our inner critic and recall past failures.
The stories you tell yourself are how you have internalized and responded to your life experiences. Your stories are 100% in your control. You can not control the circumstances around you but you can control your story.
Creating Opportunities:
Difficult times can be an excuse for less or a reason for more. Reflect on your inspirations to drive you forward.
Taking Small Steps:
Life has ups and downs, and optimism is the key to making the most of it. Understand that many of life’s circumstances may be out of your control, but your stories are yours to shape.
A better life begins by viewing failures as stepping stones. Embrace mistakes as chances to learn and grow.
What is one small step you can take today to move closer to your dreams?
Think “Elasticity.”
Mistakes are part of life; how you bounce back matters. As Mel Robbins says, “The same boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg. It’s about what you’re made of, not circumstances.”
Journaling for Growth:
Journaling deepens our understanding of ourselves. It helps us discover ourselves and solve problems, fostering self-love. It helps us grow and overcome mental hurdles, paving the way for a positive mindset.
Overcoming Excuses:
Fear holds us back and the excuses you make are also born out of fear. Fear of failure. Fear of the unknown.
Replace “what if” with “JUST For TODAY.” Focus on small steps. All the “Experts” out there started as beginners. Hurdles are part of the journey and the hiccups and speed bumps you hit along the way are really just part of life that everyone experiences..
Embracing Optimism’s Power:
Optimism isn’t about constant happiness; it’s a belief in the good ahead. Jess Ekstrom’s message is clear: embrace the messiness, drop the façade of perfection, and realize that you are in control of your story. Trust in the power of optimism to guide you toward the possibilities that lie ahead. As she puts it, “everything wonderful that has been created or achieved had to start with someone who believed it could be better.”
Every wonderful achievement began with someone who believed in making things better. So, why not you? Trust in optimism’s guiding light and set forth on the path to your brightest self.
As Jess aptly puts it, “Optimism gives us the permission to dream big, but we don’t have to be big every day.” The journey is a testament to your growth and resilience. So, are you ready to chase your own bright side?
Resources
U Positive Jon Gordon Podcast | Jess Ekstrom | Chasing the Bright Side Nov 16, 2019
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