About 16 years ago, I met a truly remarkable woman who served as a volunteer for the agency where I worked at that time. She possessed an amazing ability to lead others, accomplish a myriad of wonderful things, and always had such an inspiring presence about her.
During an orientation event, where she had been asked to give a brief speech to other volunteers, she read a piece called “The Optimist Creed.” I clearly remember hearing those first few words. They resonated with me, instantly, “To be so strong that nothing can disturb your
peace of mind.”
Afterwards, I shared with her how clearly the Creed "spoke" to me. A few days later, she brought me a little card which displayed the Creed in its entirety. She told me she read it every morning, before her day even began. I found this to be truly inspiring!
Afterwards, I shared with her how clearly the Creed "spoke" to me. A few days later, she brought me a little card which displayed the Creed in its entirety. She told me she read it every morning, before her day even began. I found this to be truly inspiring!
For many years, I did make it a point to (most days) pull
this little card out and give it a read before starting my workday. Although I no longer read it daily, it
still sits on my desk (at the 9 to 5), and it does get read at those times when
things are a bit chaotic, challenging and well…not as fun and glam as I might
wish them to be (smile). It has never failed to make me feel, in a word, "optimistic."
Below, I’ve included the entire Creed. Guess one might say I’m finally paying
it forward… Hope it inspires you as much as it does me. T.
The Optimist Creed
Promise Yourself…
Promise Yourself…
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
The Optimist Creed is courtesy of Optimist International.
