This is Ron with your Motivational Message:
This past week I was asked some questions by a student that really got me thinking. The questions were in regards to tragedy and how a positive outlook can affect the way a person responds to said tragedy. After much thought, I came up with the answers below.
- Is a positive outlook on tragedy contagious?
Answer: Yes, I believe that a positive attitude (Positive Mental Outlook, or PMO) not only energizes oneself, but those around him/her. Visionaries have a following because those with a positive attitude and an enthusiasm for life attract other people.
- How is a positive outlook on a tragedy affected by the tragedy itself?
Answer: In my opinion, it is better to experience a tragedy after developing a positive outlook on life. A PMO prior to a tragic event is simpler to maintain than if you experience the event first. I believe that if that tragedy eliminates all that you worked so hard for, it becomes even more difficult to change focus. For example, a professional athlete who loses his ability to play the game he loves would have to learn to refocus his life on something completely new. Those that suffer a tragedy and are able to continue doing what they enjoyed before have a better shot at maintaining a positive attitude.
- What happens to the positive outlook on a tragedy after the tragedy is resolved?
Answer: If the person has a positive attitude going into the event, and they come out no longer feeling the effects of said event, their PMO would be substantiated and life would look even more bright. If someone with a bad attitude experienced a tragedy and was healed, then contrary to the way they handled things in the past, this person would probably develop an attitude that is more genuinely positive. It’s also important to note that having people influencing your life who have a PMO, along with faith in a higher power (in my case, my relationship with Christ), will bolster your own PMO during and after a tragic event.
- Is it possible for a positive outlook on a tragedy to extend well into the person’s life after the tragedy is resolved?
Answer: Absolutely. I think that goes without saying, except for in the case of those who are left isolated and are no longer connected to networks of support (i.e., healthcare professionals, family, friends, assistants). With limited or no access to the public, it would be a challenge to develop or maintain a PMO in most cases.
Thank you to student, Y. J. Hwang, for asking me these questions! So, what would be YOUR answer to each question? Feel free to let me know by sending me an email. A positive attitude always makes for a great discussion. I encourage you to rate your own PMO–1 being a bad attitude, 10 being a great attitude. I hope you find these questions thought-provoking.
To your inspiration,
Ron
Hello my friend. I do believe that this subject is one of the keys to a healthy life. To me, PMO is the same as Grace and Grace the same as peace. We can and must learn to consciously choose that PMO which is in direct contrast to what we usually feel. It is a learned response unlike the opposite which are the emotions and responses we are born with and many times do not force into mature responses. It is with me a continual battle but one that get’s easier each trial. Many times I don’t even realize I have chosen a PMO until someone points out how out of character and well I am handling the situation. Then there are other times. The enemy would have us be upset and without peace always for many reason, not the least of those are to make us believe we don’t matter to our Lord. You came into my life 15 years ago when I most needed to hear your message and you are never far from my heart and mind. You are part of my warchest of weapons when the lies of Satan come for me. Thank you my friend and brother and bless you and your family!