I got a healthy does of optimism Monday night when I Ieft the computer for a while to watch the Michael J. Fox special, Adventures of an Incurable Optimist, on TLC. (I guess it aired in May on ABC.) The documentary featured snippets of interviews from Fox's worldwide search for insights on hope, happiness and optimism. "Ah, what a great day!" are the first words heard from Fox, the author of a new book, "Always Looking Up." Fox got his Parkinson's diagnosis 20 years ago and has spent the last decade building a new life, even though he "was happy with the old one." He says that the only thing he couldn't choose was whether or not to have Parkinson's; the rest was up to him. Ditto for Lance Armstrong regarding cancer's incredible impact on his biking success; he was a better athlete afterwards. Armstrong also credits his mother, who found herself pregnant with Lance at 17, for showing him how to never look at anything in a negative way.
So, what else did Fox find in his journey? That hope doesn't live in a vacuum. Optimists connect in positive ways with others to spread their outlook and enjoyment of everything they do. Bad day? They say there's always tomorrow. They think creatively, live outside the box, take risks, and reject the bonds of fear. They thrive on connections to family, friends and community. Their joy instills hope in others.
Fox visited Bhuton in the Himalayas, where government includes a Gross National Happiness (GNH) Commission because joy is a part of their citizenship and constitution. Leaders value GNH, believing that their nation can consciously promote and sustain happiness. If people enjoy good, strong relationships with family and friends, they will build—and enjoy—a strong and optimistic nation. Incredibly, Fox found his Parkinson's symptoms diminishing while there, and that was very evident in the footage shown.
At Wrigley Field, Fox met with die-hard Chicago Cubs fans about their 100-year World Series victory drought. Even that "community's" shared experience—an endless cycle of disappointment—has prepared them for life and the ability to accept failure. Plus, each season they share the energy of renewed hope. Like them, Fox doesn't get hung up on disappointments or missing the mark. He says, "Every moment short of a goal isn't a bad moment" when you're still striving. "Just do the next right thing." I loved that thought. Optimism is about hope, coming back, trying again, remaining grateful for the past, and knowing that tomorrow is yet another opportunity to do the next right thing.
Comments