The ABC's of Optimism

Avoid negative sources, people, places, things and habits.

Believe in yourself

Consider things from every angle

Don't give up and don't give in

Enjoy life today, yesterday is gone

Family and friends are hidden treasures, seek them out and enjoy their riches

Give more than you planned to

Hang on to your dreams

Ignore those who try to discourage you

Just do it

Keep doing no matter how hard it seems, it will get easier

Love yourself first and most

Make it happen

Never lie, cheat or steal, always strike a fair deal

Open your eyes and see things as they really are

Practice makes perfect

Quitters never win and winners never quit

Read, study and learn about everything important in your life

Stop procrastinating

Take control of your own destiny

Understand yourself in order to better understand others

Visualize it

Want it more than anything

Xcellerate your efforts

You are unique of all God's creations, nothing can replace you

Zero in on your target and go for it!




I'm not perfect. But, I try to be optimistic the majority of the time. I feel like lately I haven't been as much, but, I try to make a conscious effort each day to remind myself that the glass is ALWAYS half full, not half empty.

I found "The ABC's of Optimism" when I was going through my old emails.. Karen had sent it to me because I saw this quote, or whatever you would call it, hanging on her wall.

I'm one of those people that has a hard time staying focused once I get towards the end of almost achieving a goal. I have many friends who, once they set a goal, nothing gets in their way, they work so hard until they achieve it. I admire them so much for that. I typically always achieve my goals, its just more on the Lauren Time-frame.

Anyway, I have been thinking the past few days of all the amazing people who surround me each and everyday. They are all amazing. I can't stress that enough. They all are uplifting, motivated, hard working individuals who make things happen. I am so proud of all of them. I know not everyday is easy for them, but instead of giving up when the going gets tough, they stick through it and come out on top.

I have met so many new people this past year, made so lasting and real friendships. I have met the majority of them when it was unexpected. I just feel so much joy and gratitude at this very moment. I want to personally tell each and everyone of them how much I love, appreciate, and admire them all. But, the list would be pretty darn long. So, my dear friends, who are reading this post. I am thankful for YOU and your hard working, uplifting, inspirational, optimistic, ambitious, spiritual, intellectual, caring, creative, examples. You all play an important role in my life, whether we see each other once every 6 months, or everyday. I am Thankful for YOU. And for your support, love and friendships that you have all given me this past year and for some of you, the past few years.

I feel so much gratitude right now. I think about my career, and how much I love it. I love meeting so many new people on a daily basis and with most of them, creating a lasting friendship. I learn so much from them. We learn so much about each other, and it's nice because we become part of each others families, in a way. (it sounds weird, but it's so true, any hair stylist would back me up on this one)




“The grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for, and with him the good outweighs the evil. Love overpowers jealousy, and light drives darkness out of his life.” He continued: “Pride destroys our gratitude and sets up selfishness in its place. How much happier we are in the presence of a grateful and loving soul, and how careful we should be to cultivate, through the medium of a prayerful life, a thankful attitude toward God and man!” - President Joseph F. Smith, 6th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.