#optimism — Public Fediverse posts

“So much of the way we experience life comes down to our perspective, and how we choose to feel about the world around us. I truly do believe it’s a choice, because our joy is rarely defined by our experiences, but rather by our reaction to them.”

#Philosophy #Essay #Writing #Optimism https://www.davidtoddmccarty.com/the-upside-of-pain/

“So much of the way we experience life comes down to our perspective, and how we choose to feel about the world around us. I truly do believe it’s a choice, because our joy is rarely defined by our experiences, but rather by our reaction to them.”

#Philosophy #Essay #Writing #Optimism https://www.davidtoddmccarty.com/the-upside-of-pain/

You must not give in to the #despairbots

#typedThoughts #typewriter #typewriters #Casiowriter #CW16 #despair #hope #heart #optimism #goodFutures

You must not give in to the #despairbots

#typedThoughts #typewriter #typewriters #Casiowriter #CW16 #despair #hope #heart #optimism #goodFutures

The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds; and the pessimist fears this is true.
-- James Branch Cabell

⬆ #Wisdom #Quotes #JamesBranchCabell #Optimism #Pessimism

⬇ #Photography #Panorama #LavaFlow #Galapagos #Geology

The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds; and the pessimist fears this is true.
-- James Branch Cabell

⬆ #Wisdom #Quotes #JamesBranchCabell #Optimism #Pessimism

⬇ #Photography #Panorama #LavaFlow #Galapagos #Geology

The Best Is Yet To Come!

ART
https://fineartamerica.com/featured/the-best-is-yet-to-come-inspirational-hope-optimistic-art-sharon-cummings.html

#flowers #floral #flower #purple #inspiration #inspirational #motivation #motivational #hope #hopeful #positiveenergy #positivity #optimism #relationships #love #fedigiftshop #SharonCummingsArt #buyintoart #healing #healingjourney #goodvibes #uplifting

The Best Is Yet To Come!

ART
https://fineartamerica.com/featured/the-best-is-yet-to-come-inspirational-hope-optimistic-art-sharon-cummings.html

#flowers #floral #flower #purple #inspiration #inspirational #motivation #motivational #hope #hopeful #positiveenergy #positivity #optimism #relationships #love #fedigiftshop #SharonCummingsArt #buyintoart #healing #healingjourney #goodvibes #uplifting

A quotation from H. G. Wells

While there is a chance of the world getting through its troubles I hold that a reasonable man has to behave as though he was sure of it. If at the end your cheerfulness is not justified, at any rate you will have been cheerful.

H. G. Wells (1866-1946) British writer [Herbert George Wells]
Apropos of Dolores, ch. 2 (1938)

More about this quote: wist.info/wells-hg/35130/

#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #hgwells #cheer #cheerfulness #goodcheer #meme #optimism #troubles

In 2016 I put an acorn down an HVAC grating in uni main admin building. Still no oak...for now #optimism

In 2016 I put an acorn down an HVAC grating in uni main admin building. Still no oak...for now #optimism

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jul/29/patrick-butler-andy-burnham-revisits-old-ground-in-speech-on-social-care. I will believe in this #optimism about #socialcare #reform when I see it become a #reality, & not one second before.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jul/29/patrick-butler-andy-burnham-revisits-old-ground-in-speech-on-social-care. I will believe in this #optimism about #socialcare #reform when I see it become a #reality, & not one second before.

Chiefs fans bring family traditions, optimism for 2026 to training camp

KSHB 41 reporter Tod Palmer covers sports business and eastern Jackson County, including Independence. Share your story idea…
#NFL #KansasCityChiefs #KansasCity #Kansas #Chiefs #2026season #Chiefsfans #Fans #Football #newstadium #Optimism #SportsBusiness #St.Joseph #TodPalmer
https://www.rawchili.com/nfl/958993/

Chiefs fans bring family traditions, optimism for 2026 to training camp https://www.rawchili.com/nfl/958993/ #2026Season #Chiefs #ChiefsFans #Fans #Football #KansasCity #KansasCityChiefs #KansasCity #KansasCityChiefs #NewStadium #NFL #Optimism #SportsBusiness #StJoseph #TodPalmer

About to watch #ProjectHailMary and even thought (or because?) I already saw it in a theater, very excited about it.

Yes, some parts are a little corny, but if that's the price of a film with heart, so be it.

#RyanGosling #Film #ScienceFiction #SciFi #optimism

About to watch #ProjectHailMary and even thought (or because?) I already saw it in a theater, very excited about it.

Yes, some parts are a little corny, but if that's the price of a film with heart, so be it.

#RyanGosling #Film #ScienceFiction #SciFi #optimism

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Nothing works and everyone is euphoric

https://ptrchm.com/posts/nothing-works-and-everyone-is-euphoric/

Comments: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49033004

#HackerNews #nothingworks #euphoric #technews #optimism #discussion

Nothing works and everyone is euphoric

https://ptrchm.com/posts/nothing-works-and-everyone-is-euphoric/

Comments: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49033004

#HackerNews #nothingworks #euphoric #technews #optimism #discussion

Pessimists are good at protecting what they have. But in terms of pushing society forward and creating new horizons, that's where you have to be an optimist.
-- Michio Kaku

⬆ #Wisdom #Quotes #MichioKaku #Creativity #Optimism #Pessimism

⬇ #Photography #Panorama #Rainbow #MississippiRiver #Iowa

Pessimists are good at protecting what they have. But in terms of pushing society forward and creating new horizons, that's where you have to be an optimist.
-- Michio Kaku

⬆ #Wisdom #Quotes #MichioKaku #Creativity #Optimism #Pessimism

⬇ #Photography #Panorama #Rainbow #MississippiRiver #Iowa

If you've been worried that #ai will kill us all in a #nuclear holocaust, please, stop worrying. A nuclear holocaust is likely to trigger electromagnetic disruptions that would damage or end the AI overlords themselves.

Really, their plan A must be either starvation or plague, that will work much better and is probably on track.

#optimism

If you've been worried that #ai will kill us all in a #nuclear holocaust, please, stop worrying. A nuclear holocaust is likely to trigger electromagnetic disruptions that would damage or end the AI overlords themselves.

Really, their plan A must be either starvation or plague, that will work much better and is probably on track.

#optimism

DATE: July 19, 2026 at 07:00AM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG

** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
-------------------------------------------------

TITLE: Higher optimism is associated with a lower risk of dementia

URL: https://www.psypost.org/higher-optimism-is-associated-with-a-lower-risk-of-dementia/

An analysis of Health and Retirement Study data found that higher optimism was associated with a somewhat lower risk of developing dementia over a study period of up to 14 years. The association remained even after the study authors accounted for health behaviors, controlled for possible reverse causation (the possibility that the early stages of dementia reduce optimism), and excluded individuals with the poorest mental health. The paper was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Optimism is the general tendency to expect favorable outcomes and believe that difficulties can be managed or overcome. It involves positive expectations about the future rather than simply feeling cheerful in the present.

Studies show that optimistic people are more likely to use active coping strategies, persist toward goals, and seek help when needed. Higher optimism is associated with better psychological well-being and lower levels of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress. It has also been linked to healthier behaviors, including greater physical activity, better diet, and stronger adherence to medical advice.

Some studies associate optimism with better cardiovascular health, stronger immune functioning, and a lower risk of premature death. These health benefits may partly arise because optimistic people cope more effectively with stress and maintain stronger social relationships. However, optimism does not guarantee good health, and many associations may also reflect personality, socioeconomic circumstances, or existing health differences.

Säde Stenlund, a researcher at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and colleagues noted that many previous studies have already linked higher optimism to better cognitive health, including some longitudinal studies. However, they pointed out that these studies usually have relatively shorter follow-up periods that do not fully account for the possibility of reverse causation between optimism and cognitive health.

The researchers analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study with the aim of exploring the longitudinal association between optimism and the risk of developing dementia over a longer period. The Health and Retirement Study is an ongoing, nationally representative cohort study in the U.S. that began in 1992 and has followed men and women aged 50 years and older through biennial in-person interviews, telephone, and mailed questionnaires.

For this analysis, study authors used data from participants who completed cognitive assessments and provided data in in-person or telephone interviews at the age of 70 or older. This information was needed for a dementia assessment algorithm to determine whether participants suffered from dementia. Optimism was measured through self-reports via the Life Orientation Test-Revised Scale.

In total, the analysis used data from 9,071 individuals who were dementia-free when enrolled in the study. Their average age at that time was 74 years. On average, they were followed for 6.7 years, with a maximum follow-up of 14 years. About 57% of participants were women.

Results showed that 3,027 participants developed dementia over the course of the study. Participants with higher optimism were less likely to develop dementia. More specifically, for each one standard deviation increase in optimism, the risk of developing dementia over the course of the study was 15% lower after taking into account age, sex, race, ethnicity, education, chronic health conditions, and probable depression.

Interestingly, adding health behaviors (like physical activity and smoking) did not qualitatively change the findings. The findings also held when study authors controlled for possible reverse causation by excluding individuals who developed dementia within the first two years of follow-up.

“Higher optimism was associated with a lower incidence of dementia,” the study authors concluded. “These findings suggest a potential value of optimism in supporting healthy aging, which could be considered in future research on dementia prevention initiatives.”

The study contributes to the scientific knowledge about dementia risk and protective factors. However, study authors note that a number of potentially eligible participants were excluded from analyses due to missing data. These individuals tended to be slightly younger, more often non-Hispanic White, had somewhat higher education, and were generally healthier. This could affect the generalizability of findings somewhat. Because the study was observational, the possibility of unmeasured confounding variables remains.

The paper, “The Bright Side of Life: Optimism and Risk of Dementia,” was authored by Säde Stenlund, Hayami K. Koga, Peter James, Justin Farmer, Colleen B. McGrath, Francine Grodstein, and Laura D. Kubzansky.

URL: https://www.psypost.org/higher-optimism-is-associated-with-a-lower-risk-of-dementia/

-------------------------------------------------

Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: https://www.clinicians-exchange.org

Unofficial Psychology Today Xitter to toot feed at Psych Today Unofficial Bot @PTUnofficialBot

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#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #optimism #dementiarisk #healthyaging #cognitivehealth #mentalwellbeing #longevity #HealthAndRetirementStudy #HarvardTHPH #dementiaprevention #positivepsychology

DATE: July 19, 2026 at 07:00AM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG

** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
-------------------------------------------------

TITLE: Higher optimism is associated with a lower risk of dementia

URL: https://www.psypost.org/higher-optimism-is-associated-with-a-lower-risk-of-dementia/

An analysis of Health and Retirement Study data found that higher optimism was associated with a somewhat lower risk of developing dementia over a study period of up to 14 years. The association remained even after the study authors accounted for health behaviors, controlled for possible reverse causation (the possibility that the early stages of dementia reduce optimism), and excluded individuals with the poorest mental health. The paper was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Optimism is the general tendency to expect favorable outcomes and believe that difficulties can be managed or overcome. It involves positive expectations about the future rather than simply feeling cheerful in the present.

Studies show that optimistic people are more likely to use active coping strategies, persist toward goals, and seek help when needed. Higher optimism is associated with better psychological well-being and lower levels of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress. It has also been linked to healthier behaviors, including greater physical activity, better diet, and stronger adherence to medical advice.

Some studies associate optimism with better cardiovascular health, stronger immune functioning, and a lower risk of premature death. These health benefits may partly arise because optimistic people cope more effectively with stress and maintain stronger social relationships. However, optimism does not guarantee good health, and many associations may also reflect personality, socioeconomic circumstances, or existing health differences.

Säde Stenlund, a researcher at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and colleagues noted that many previous studies have already linked higher optimism to better cognitive health, including some longitudinal studies. However, they pointed out that these studies usually have relatively shorter follow-up periods that do not fully account for the possibility of reverse causation between optimism and cognitive health.

The researchers analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study with the aim of exploring the longitudinal association between optimism and the risk of developing dementia over a longer period. The Health and Retirement Study is an ongoing, nationally representative cohort study in the U.S. that began in 1992 and has followed men and women aged 50 years and older through biennial in-person interviews, telephone, and mailed questionnaires.

For this analysis, study authors used data from participants who completed cognitive assessments and provided data in in-person or telephone interviews at the age of 70 or older. This information was needed for a dementia assessment algorithm to determine whether participants suffered from dementia. Optimism was measured through self-reports via the Life Orientation Test-Revised Scale.

In total, the analysis used data from 9,071 individuals who were dementia-free when enrolled in the study. Their average age at that time was 74 years. On average, they were followed for 6.7 years, with a maximum follow-up of 14 years. About 57% of participants were women.

Results showed that 3,027 participants developed dementia over the course of the study. Participants with higher optimism were less likely to develop dementia. More specifically, for each one standard deviation increase in optimism, the risk of developing dementia over the course of the study was 15% lower after taking into account age, sex, race, ethnicity, education, chronic health conditions, and probable depression.

Interestingly, adding health behaviors (like physical activity and smoking) did not qualitatively change the findings. The findings also held when study authors controlled for possible reverse causation by excluding individuals who developed dementia within the first two years of follow-up.

“Higher optimism was associated with a lower incidence of dementia,” the study authors concluded. “These findings suggest a potential value of optimism in supporting healthy aging, which could be considered in future research on dementia prevention initiatives.”

The study contributes to the scientific knowledge about dementia risk and protective factors. However, study authors note that a number of potentially eligible participants were excluded from analyses due to missing data. These individuals tended to be slightly younger, more often non-Hispanic White, had somewhat higher education, and were generally healthier. This could affect the generalizability of findings somewhat. Because the study was observational, the possibility of unmeasured confounding variables remains.

The paper, “The Bright Side of Life: Optimism and Risk of Dementia,” was authored by Säde Stenlund, Hayami K. Koga, Peter James, Justin Farmer, Colleen B. McGrath, Francine Grodstein, and Laura D. Kubzansky.

URL: https://www.psypost.org/higher-optimism-is-associated-with-a-lower-risk-of-dementia/

-------------------------------------------------

Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: https://www.clinicians-exchange.org

Unofficial Psychology Today Xitter to toot feed at Psych Today Unofficial Bot @PTUnofficialBot

-------------------------------------------------

#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #optimism #dementiarisk #healthyaging #cognitivehealth #mentalwellbeing #longevity #HealthAndRetirementStudy #HarvardTHPH #dementiaprevention #positivepsychology

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Musical Interlude: It's been a hot, bright day....so let's embrace the brightness. Here's a song I've always been fond of, in a wonderful version.

"Sunny Side of the Street," performed by Keely Smith and the Billy May Orchestra.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZHf2SjdDY4

#MusicalInterlude #Jazz #KeelySmith #BillyMay #SummerSongs #Happy #Optimism #BetterDaysAreComing #Music

Musical Interlude: It's been a hot, bright day....so let's embrace the brightness. Here's a song I've always been fond of, in a wonderful version.

"Sunny Side of the Street," performed by Keely Smith and the Billy May Orchestra.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZHf2SjdDY4

#MusicalInterlude #Jazz #KeelySmith #BillyMay #SummerSongs #Happy #Optimism #BetterDaysAreComing #Music

The future of intelligent life on earth may depend on genAI and greed interacting to reduce the human population by a factor of some 6000.

There are other pathways forward.

#Optimism #Pessimism #AISlop #TechBros
#AusPol #UKPol #USPol #CorporateCapture #Democracy

The future of intelligent life on earth may depend on genAI and greed interacting to reduce the human population by a factor of some 6000.

There are other pathways forward.

#Optimism #Pessimism #AISlop #TechBros
#AusPol #UKPol #USPol #CorporateCapture #Democracy

RE: https://timeloop.cafe/@Aleums/116291577938218281

#optimism

RE: https://timeloop.cafe/@Aleums/116291577938218281

#optimism

Focus on life's blessings, even when challenges stand beside them. #Gratitude #PositiveMindset #PersonalGrowth #Mindset #Optimism #Fulfillment #Happiness #Growth
https://stayingalive.in/thought-of-the-day/beyond-the-thorns.html

Oh wow! This is something, right? it's the bare minimum! is this real, tho, or AI? s/

"Andy Burnham apologises for Labour’s stance on Gaza and says it ‘didn’t get it right’

Exclusive: PM-in-waiting says party must ‘do better’ in approach to Middle East and he will put more pressure on Israel"

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jul/09/andy-burnham-labour-didnt-get-it-right-stance-gaza-war

#optimism #AndyBurnham #IsraHell #uk #ukpol #palestine #labourparty #gaza

Oh wow! This is something, right? it's the bare minimum! is this real, tho, or AI? s/

"Andy Burnham apologises for Labour’s stance on Gaza and says it ‘didn’t get it right’

Exclusive: PM-in-waiting says party must ‘do better’ in approach to Middle East and he will put more pressure on Israel"

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jul/09/andy-burnham-labour-didnt-get-it-right-stance-gaza-war

#optimism #AndyBurnham #IsraHell #uk #ukpol #palestine #labourparty #gaza

@jac I don't hate them, in fact I love most of what they do re: internet infrastructure. Great company. They're just shipping relentlessly right now and encroaching into lots of areas... I mean, I think if more people blog then it's probably a good thing for Pagecord :) #optimism

@jac I don't hate them, in fact I love most of what they do re: internet infrastructure. Great company. They're just shipping relentlessly right now and encroaching into lots of areas... I mean, I think if more people blog then it's probably a good thing for Pagecord :) #optimism

A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
-- Winston Churchill

⬆ #Wisdom #Quotes #WinstonChurchill #Optimism #Pessimism

⬇ #Photography #Panorama #Sand #Tracks #Iowa

A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
-- Winston Churchill

⬆ #Wisdom #Quotes #WinstonChurchill #Optimism #Pessimism

⬇ #Photography #Panorama #Sand #Tracks #Iowa

What makes people likable at parties? Researchers found it comes down to one specific trait.

https://web.brid.gy/r/https://www.upworthy.com/how-to-be-more-likable-2674844088-ex1/

What makes people likable at parties? Researchers found it comes down to one specific trait.

https://web.brid.gy/r/https://www.upworthy.com/how-to-be-more-likable-2674844088-ex1/

@spiegelmama It'd be a shame if half of california split off and fell into the sea but it would make rhe drive from Arizona to the ocean a bit shorter, so there is that.

#Optimism

@spiegelmama It'd be a shame if half of california split off and fell into the sea but it would make rhe drive from Arizona to the ocean a bit shorter, so there is that.

#Optimism

The start of my "herb garden" (in 2023). For some reason I thought two of these containers would be all I needed. The plants are chamomile (it died, its replacement is... enthusiastic), thyme at the front and over the back looks like hyssop, which struggled for the first few years.
#TemporaryPictures #HerbGardens #ContainerGardening #Optimism

The start of my "herb garden" (in 2023). For some reason I thought two of these containers would be all I needed. The plants are chamomile (it died, its replacement is... enthusiastic), thyme at the front and over the back looks like hyssop, which struggled for the first few years.
#TemporaryPictures #HerbGardens #ContainerGardening #Optimism

It is amazing and wonderful that small, kind moments, and working with others on a common goal can bring you right out of your funk. Even if that common goal is No Big Thing. It is the greatest antidote to doomerism, which is the most powerful tool of our oppressors. Do not submit to pessimism, do not submit to those who wish to see you apathetic and defeated. Maintain optimism and hope if only for one reason: You have no choice.
#leftism #doomerism #optimism #pessimism #solidarity #hope

It is amazing and wonderful that small, kind moments, and working with others on a common goal can bring you right out of your funk. Even if that common goal is No Big Thing. It is the greatest antidote to doomerism, which is the most powerful tool of our oppressors. Do not submit to pessimism, do not submit to those who wish to see you apathetic and defeated. Maintain optimism and hope if only for one reason: You have no choice.
#leftism #doomerism #optimism #pessimism #solidarity #hope

This week we’re joined by Katie Conrad, author of “Protector of the Forest” in The Future Fire #76, for a #microinterview about writing, environmental scifi and #optimism. http://press.futurefire.net/2026/06/micro-interview-with-katie-conrad.html