My next-door neighbors are enthusiastic members of local Optimist Club chapters. They recently shared a card with me that includes the Optimist Creed. Talk about living with a positive attitude! I hope that we all grow to possess an Optimist Attitude. Here is that creed:

  • To be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.
  • To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person I meet.
  • To make all my friends feel that there is something in them.
  • To look at the sunny side of everything and make my optimism come true.
  • To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and expect only the best.
  • To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my 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 I meet a smile.
  • To give so much time to the improvement of myself that I 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.

Each of these tenants make me think of people I know. Kristan and Brad Cole in Wasilla, Alaska, embody so many of these tenants. I reflect on when Kristan's son, Zach Tanner, was involved in a near-fatal car accident and was never expected to walk again, let alone return to his passion of playing football. The absolute faith, first and foremost, that Brad & Kristan demonstrated was awe-inspiring. And at a time when they could have been completely, justifiably selfish, they continued to present their "cheerful countenance" and show genuine interest in the needs and the success of those around them.