The Dalai Lama said, "Choose to be optimistic, it feels better."

Optimism which has not always been my strongest character trait until I was diagnosed with cancer.  At first I was overwhelmed.  But sometime during those first few weeks, I realized I had to smile, to think only healing, good thoughts, and to keep my optimism high.

That's not to say I didn't have days of pessimism and bad thoughts.  I don't know how you can go through all the chemo, shots, having a port put in without pain and bad feelings.  Having lain in ICU wondering if I was even going to make it out of the hospital changed my thinking.  Realizing how close to death you had come can only lead to optimism once you are out, diagnosed, and being treated.  So for the most part I was smiling and feeling upbeat.  Low points yes, but I tried to keep them to a minimum.

I think back over my life and realized how much time I wasted being pessimistic and cynical.  Somewhere along my life line, I changed.   And I'm glad because it made this time in my life so much easier to survive.

So the Dalai Lama is correct.  Being optimistic does make you feel better.  It heals also.  I've read numerous articles about that fact.  Smiling is now my favorite pastime.  I love to smile at people especially those who's mouths are turned down at the corners.  Sad to say only occasionally do they smile back.  I feel sorry for them.  Optimism (a smile also) can change your whole life and make you feel like you are on top of the world.