Verbatim: Always look on the bright side

  • By Claire Kincaid
  • Sunday, January 11, 2015 4:27pm
  • NewsSchools

I once told a friend an aphorism that even though an optimist is wrong just as often as the pessimist, they are far happier. Though hard times must come in life for us to progress, how we respond to them defines who we are and our very future. Happiness and gloom grow in the same way. Like a fire, they will grow if fueled. Optimism should be our priority because it lifts us and others to a greater degree of joy. The sought after secret to happiness is as simple as having a good attitude.

With all the darkness and destruction prevalent in today’s world, light and goodness often seem scarce. Though disasters and turmoil will come, there will always be helpers. The helpers are those who selflessly serve others, even when their own struggles weigh them down. Those helpers, the optimists, are those who raise others up. Optimism is selfless because it brightens the lives of others. Be selfless in your cheer and smile even when you don’t feel like it because at the end of the day you will find that it is the surest way to feeling like smiling.

When I feel morose, looking on the bright side takes effort. It’s easier to wallow in gloom and justify my feelings of sadness, but it is always the strong choice to put my trials in perspective and look for the sunshine. Gordon B. Hinckley once said, “Stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight.” Each moment we spend dwelling on the negative is a moment taken from happiness.

I like to think of optimism as a verb because it’s an action. Being optimistic requires thought and deed. Even with practice, the attitude of optimism is always a choice. It sometimes seems a daunting choice because it’s not a popular one. It’s choosing daily to say “What’s the BEST that could happen?”

Once when comforting a friend in a time of trouble, I grew discouraged that my words of encouragement seemed to make no difference. I asked her if I was being too optimistic because I felt like I wasn’t empathizing enough with her pain. She said “No, I need your optimism; it gives me hope when I have none.” Since then I have grown steadily in my desire to be an example of cheer and live according to the optimist creed.

My younger sister and I are the best of friends now as teenagers, but when we were younger we bickered when we played as kids often do. While admonishing us for our fighting, my dad would tell me to be my sister’s “biggest cheerleader.” Over the years I have developed a knowledge of his meaning. Instead of picking on my sister, I need to cheer and applaud her in every good thing. Everyone needs someone to encourage them and I hope to be a cheerleader to many that I come in contact with throughout life.

While my peers and I wait to receive news back about our admission to the colleges we have applied to, I’ve noticed a trend. Though our chances of acceptance vary only slightly from our similar qualifications, the attitudes amongst my friends differ enormously. Some, like myself, eagerly hope for acceptance to our first-choice colleges, but others mope and dwell on their inadequacies and doubt their chances of success. I’ve noticed that those who are pessimistic about their applications are in constant anxiety and fear of failure. Though I have a backup plan, I have allowed myself the freedom of a happy conscience and hope for my future. The brief disappointment I will feel if I end up failing despite my best efforts seems insignificant compared to the angst I would feel for months if I worried about it. An optimistic attitude frees me from stresses and worries that would taint my current happiness.

Optimism is a priority in my daily life because I’ve witnessed its benefits. It brings true and lasting happiness to my life and lifts those I speak it to. As optimism becomes a habitual part of my character, my strength against worry solidifies. I am hopeful and cheerful about my future and welcome the momentous years to come. I now proudly can proclaim: I am an optimist.

Claire Kincaid is a senior at Soldotna High School.

More in News

Liz Harpold, a staff member for Sen. Donny Olson (D-Golovin)​, explains changes to a bill increasing per-student education funding and making various policy changes during a Senate Finance Committee meeting on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Revised education bill with $700 BSA hike gets new policy measures, advances to Senate floor

Changes easing charter school rules, adding new district evaluations fall short of governor’s agenda.

Students of Sterling Elementary School carry a sign in support of their school during a special meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education in Soldotna, Alaska, on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
District adopts budget with severe cuts, school closures

The preliminary budget assumes a $680 increase in per-student funding from the state.

A vote board shows a veto override attempt Tuesday by the Alaska Legislature on a $1,000 increase to per-student education funding falling short of the necessary two-thirds majority with a 33-27 vote. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Senate adds $700 BSA hike to school phone policy bill a day after veto override on $1,000 increase fails

Lawmakers say quick floor vote by Senate, concurrence by House may set up another override session.

The Soldotna Public Library is seen on a snowy Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Soldotna library advisory board hears update on federal funding cuts

The federal government’s dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services could cause the reduction or elimination of some statewide library services as soon as July 1.

Protestors stand with an American flag and a sign that reads “DEFUND HATE” on Saturday, April 19 at WKFL Park during the “Sustained Resistence, Makes a Difference” Rally. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)
More than 600 gather in Homer for ‘Sustained Resistance, Makes a Difference’ rally

It was at least the third time this year the Homer community gathered to protest the Trump administration.

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, speaks in support overriding Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of House Bill 69 at the Alaska Capitol in Juneau, Alaska, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire)
Legislature upholds governor’s veto of increased school funding

The governor last week said he vetoed House Bill 69 because it didn’t include any policy changes and because of the state’s “deteriorated” revenue outlook.

Kenai Central High School’s Kyle Foster speaks during the 35th Annual Caring for the Kenai Oral Presentations at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska, on Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Seward freshman wins 35th Caring for the Kenai with thermal asphalt proposal

Twelve finalists were chosen in this year’s competition.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R-Alaska) speaks to reporters about his decision to veto an education funding bill at the Alaska State Capitol on Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Dunleavy’s veto of education funding bill puts pressure on lawmakers during final month of session

Governor also previews new bill with $560 BSA increase, plus additional funds for policy initiatives.

Brent Johnson speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Assembly kills resolution asking for option to cap property assessment increases

Alaska municipalities are required by state statute to assess all properties at their full and true value.

Most Read