Bright Side Rising: The Science and Practice of Optimism

Lola Brooks

Welcome to today's episode of Living in Technicolor, brought to you by Art of Living Well Academy. I am your host, Lola Brooks, and today we are talking optimism!

Lola Brooks

Alright, so let’s start by untangling what optimism really means. It’s not just about being bubbly or cheerful all the time, no no, it's deeper than that. Optimism is all about having hopefulness and confidence about the future—like really believing that good things are ahead. Now, let’s compare that to positivity, which is more about focusing on the good in situations happening right now.

Lola Brooks

Think of optimism as your long-term vision and positivity as your day-to-day attitude. They’re kinda like cousins, you know? Optimism keeps us pressing forward, even when life throws curveballs. Like, imagine walking through a foggy path. Optimism is what convinces you that clear skies are just a few steps ahead. Positivity? That keeps you from tripping over roots while you’re in the fog. Make sense?

Lola Brooks

Now, let’s talk about why this matters, especially when life isn’t exactly sunshine and rainbows. Enter the broaden-and-build theory by Fredrickson. Basically, it says optimistic emotions don’t just make us feel warm and fuzzy—they actually expand our capacity to think creatively and take action, especially during hard times. It’s like building a mental toolkit to tackle life’s challenges with a bit of ingenuity.

Lola Brooks

Let me give you an example, okay? A friend of mine—oh man, she went through a tough one; lost her job unexpectedly. But instead of spiraling into self-doubt, she leaned into optimism. She told herself, “Alright, this is my chance. I’m gonna learn something new, push myself, and land something even better!” And guess what? She did. Ended up scoring a role that let her pivot into, like, this whole new career path she’s absolutely thriving in now. That’s the power of seeing obstacles as opportunities. It’s real.

Lola Brooks

And that optimism? It rewires how you approach everything. It’s like flipping a switch and letting light into a dark room. You start seeing potential where there used to be just problems.

Lola Brooks

So, here’s where things get really interesting, you ready? Optimism doesn’t just make you feel good—it legitimately helps you live better and longer. Like, Lisa Yanek, a researcher at Johns Hopkins, found that folks with a high risk for heart disease who managed to stay optimistic were 13% less likely to have a heart attack or, you know, any major coronary problems. Thirteen percent! That’s like winning the health lottery, right?

Lola Brooks

And it’s not just your heart that gets a boost. Optimistic people tend to have better mental health overall, with lower risks of anxiety and depression. Plus, they’re more likely to make healthier choices in their day-to-day lives. We’re talking things like picking salads over fries or actually showing up for that workout class you’ve been, you know, putting off. It’s like optimism seeps into all those little habits that add up to big changes.

Lola Brooks

Oh, oh, and here's another biggie. Studies show that optimistic folks actually live longer than pessimistic ones. Like, they handle stress better because they’re seeing those rough patches as temporary, not permanent disasters. It’s like having a mental shield against the chaos life throws at you. Resilience? That’s optimism’s cooler, older sibling.

Lola Brooks

Want a real-life example? I heard about this West Coast community—faced wildfires that literally wiped out entire neighborhoods. And as devastating as it was, these people decided to rebuild with even stronger foundations, both literally and emotionally. They rallied together, supported each other, and refused to let despair win. And now they’ve created this tight-knit, thriving community that’s stronger than ever. Talk about optimism in action!

Lola Brooks

See, optimism isn’t just rose-colored glasses or wishful thinking. It’s practical. Strategic. It’s about saying, “Yep, life’s throwing punches, but I’m gearing up for the fight.” And, honestly, the science backs up what we can already feel in our bones. Optimism can transform not only how we live...but how long we live.

Lola Brooks

Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and talk about how to actually build an optimistic mindset, yeah? Because optimism—it’s not something you’re just born with, no, it’s a skill. And like any skill, it can be learned and practiced. Let’s start with positive self-talk. This is huge. You know those little conversations you have with yourself, like the ones where you mess up and immediately think, “Ugh, why am I like this?” Yeah, we’ve all been there. But instead, try flipping it. Say, “Okay, not my best moment, but I’m learning, I’m growing, I’ve got this.” It’s such a game-changer.

Lola Brooks

And daily affirmations! Listen, I know some folks might think it’s a bit cheesy, but affirmations work. When you say things to yourself like, “Today is a fresh start,” or “I am resilient,” it’s like planting seeds in your brain. And eventually, those seeds grow into habits, and then—bam—you’re thinking differently, you’re handling things with more strength and grace.

Lola Brooks

Now, something I’ve found personally helpful is acceptance. Life is messy, right? Like, we have ups and downs, twists and turns, but if you can accept those tough moments and think of them as, like, teachers or stepping stones, that’s where the magic happens. It’s not just about gritting your teeth through challenges—it’s about saying, “Okay, what can I take from this? How can this make me better?”

Lola Brooks

Oh, and can we talk about how important it is to surround yourself with good vibes? People—your tribe—are basically your mirrors. If you hang out with people who are always doom and gloom, it’s gonna rub off. But spend time with folks who lift you up, who believe in the good, who cheer for you—they’ll help you see the bright side, even when life feels cloudy.

Lola Brooks

And don’t forget those simple lifestyle tweaks—eat well, move your body, and get your sleep. Sounds basic, sure, but it all feeds into how we feel mentally and emotionally. You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight; just start by adding one small thing, like taking a walk or swapping fries for, I don’t know, something green now and then. Small steps, big changes.

Lola Brooks

And hey, it’s not just my advice—I’d love to hear yours! What are the strategies that keep you, you know, feeling hopeful and strong? Share them with me—hit me up on social media, or drop a comment on our podcast platform. Let’s build this community of optimism together.

Lola Brooks

And that’s all for today, my friends. Remember, the obstacle isn’t in your way—it is the way. Practice optimism, embrace the challenges, and keep living in technicolor, even when it feels like the world’s in grayscale. This is Lola Brooks, your host of the Living in Technicolor Podcast. I’ll catch you next time—take care and stay bright!