Exercise Optimism

The paintings shown above are the results of Exercising #Optimism in face of adversity. This individual has not only been an inspiration for people across but has even put me to shame when I still take cover in the false concession of age for being Optimistic. These paintings were done by my friend of 43 years, who enjoyed an excellent career with an excellent work-life balance. Life took a different turn when he was diagnosed with Parkison's disease approximately 10 years back. He never looked down after the initial one odd year of learning to cope with the issues associated with the ailment. He took to drawing and painting in the face of the shaking hands shuffling gait. This art was a hobby he left four decades back, immediately after he took a job. His consistent effort along with the #optimism he exercised in every approach, earned him great appreciation and accolades not only from his near and dear ones, but also the medical fraternity who was involved in the treatment. His exercising of #optimism was further personified when he kept driving between Trivandrum and Bangalore alone many times. He used to not only drive but also take the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque spots, take photos and transfer it on the canvas.

This was the real #optimism being practiced when life gives you rude obstacles to wade through. The story does not end there, it looked like he was being tested again on his ability to look at life optimistically. He was diagnosed with Colorectal malignancy a year and half back. Things were really complicated for being Parkison patient with malignancy. He, as he was built to be, never gave up again on the newly compounded adversity. He continued his excercising of #optimism with the same vigor and enthusiasm and kept painting. The doctors even allowed him to continue his painting in the hospital bed. His continued optimistic outlook not only kept his spirits high but also had its positive outcome on the progression of the disease.

#Optimism is not putting smile on face and telling "Everything is fine." When we talk of exercising optimism it is an effort, it takes a lot of work. When we are faced with difficulties that is when we need to do this work. We need to get to the other side and take a diferent perspective. Be #optimistic as practical as you can be, contradict your passive toughts with positive self-affirmations.