Optimism

Are you a "glass half full" kind of person? The dictionary defines an optimist as "one who usually expects a favorable outcome." Although I'd really prefer to be an optimist, I'm usually caught in the struggle between the angel on one side who encourages me to believe the best and the devil on the other that makes it impossible to ignore the world as it really is. Around this time of year, I'm particularly interested in fresh starts, new beginnings, and the hope they bring. There's just something about looking at a blank calendar page that fills me with optimism. It's like everything is a possibility. All those blank squares, days that haven't been written yet, fill me with hope for 2009.

Since the world's a pretty cynical place right now, it's difficult to maintain that outlook. Listening to news anchors, political pundits, and economic experts can put a damper on any positive position. But I'm making the decision to expect a favorable outcome.

"Change" has been the buzz word of 2008 and it's an enticing thought, the idea that change is coming and it's something that we make. Of course, the world's an unpredictable place. Change for good or change for bad, nothing stays the same for long.

So how do those of us who aspire to optimism (even when we normally have "glass half empty" tendencies) manage that personal change in the world as it is? First, we have to know where hope comes from. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." If you know Christ, it's OK to be optimistic. In fact, you better be optimistic! No matter what today looks like, God already has tomorrow under control. You can trust in a favorable outcome.

After you've established your source of hope and know that God is already working out your favorable outcome, you just have to make the choice on who you will listen to: the angel on one side or the devil on the other, the Holy Spirit and the promises of God's word or the news stories and experts. The best way to see God at work is to believe in the favorable outcome.

So what will you choose? For 2009, I've made the decision that it's OK to be an optimist. Join me. I'm sure I'll need the support! I'm going to do my best to believe that positive change is coming, and I'm convinced that God is working out a favorable outcome. I place my trust in the hope and future He's preparing for me.

To see how the positive outlook works in my life (and how long I manage to hold on to it), visit It's Not About Cheryl. And for more encouragement, check out the upcoming Marketplace Connection events.

I LIke Lists

I like lists. I like to make them, but I really like to cross things off the list when they're successfully completed. And the bustle and busyness of Christmas means lots of planning: what to buy, wrap, cook, clean, call, visit, mail and return. Whether it's a grocery list or Saturday errands, marking things off the list means satisfaction and success. And after a day of waiting in line or sitting in traffic, I can look at that rumpled, marked-up paper and think to myself, "I did all that. I ... Am ... Awesome."

Those lists are really plans. Simple plans, the best kind! This time of year is the perfect opportunity to make another kind of list, a list of goals or maybe we'll call them "New Year's Resolutions." After jumping the hurdle to Christmas, I'm ready to slow down a little and think about what the new year should be like, or maybe more importantly, what I should be like in the new year. Of course, we could resolve to improve ourselves any day of the year, but there's just something about a fresh calendar that means a world of possibility.

If you're like me, your resolutions usually follow a few common themes: lose weight, pay off debt, exercise more, complain less (maybe that's just me). So this year, I will again make some resolutions, but I'd really like to reach the goals set. I'm not sure if there's a support group like List Makers Anonymous, but I should probably look into it. Still, here's what I'm calling:

A Few Resolutions Tips (yes, in list form)
1. Keep it simple
While I could easily build a list of 100 things to change, I won't. One thing just leads to another thing, and sometimes I'd really like to change the second thing, but all the work of the first wears me out. Of course, the idea of all the work to get to my real problem overwhelms me and I decide to eat ice cream instead. This year, I'm going to focus on beginning at the beginning with simple goals.

2. Be realistic
My confession: I want it all, and I want it now. Do you know anyone else like that? So, while I do desperately need to lose lots and lots of weight, I probably won't be able to do that in the approximately three weeks that I will stick with my new diet and exercise plan for the year. Unless I'm realistic about what I can accomplish, I'm just setting myself up for failure. Again.

3. Leave room for something new
A couple of years ago, I was a little tired of building goals that I could never reach and decided to add a fun goal: buy more shoes. Silly? Maybe, but I did it. I learned that improving me doesn't always have to mean giving something up. Maybe you've always been interested in photography (or cooking or ballroom dancing). Resolve to find the time for one class. Resolutions always seem so serious. Leave a little room for fun, too, in the new you.

4. Remember what's important.
Making resolutions is pretty "I" centered. You focused on things you'd like to change about you, but here's something else to remember: it's not about you. Sure, you need at be the best you possible, but never forget why you're here. Keep your eyes open. In Isaiah 43:19, the Lord says, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Maybe there's someone in your family or your church or your workplace who needs your time, encouragement, or just to know what's different about you. Is this the year to go on a mission trip or volunteer or lead a class? Watch to see where God is working and join him. Leave room on your list for God's goals, the work that HE's prepared for you.

Now I think I'm ready to make my list of resolutions. Are you? If you'd like to see how mine are coming along and whether I can follow my own tips, visit me at It's Not About Cheryl.