"Two men look out through the same bars: One sees mud and the other one sees stars," says Frederick Langbridge, author of A Cluster of Quiet Thoughts.

Life is about choices. You may opt to adopt a pessimist’s view and live a self-defeated life; or decide to take the optimist’s route and live a challenging and fulfilling life.

Optimism relates to positive mood, good morale, all forms of success, popularity, good health, long life, and freedom from trauma.

Depression and pessimism affect middle-aged adults and younger people. The mean age of onset has gone from 30 to 15 years old. It now affects both middle-aged homemakers and teen-agers.

How do you nurture an optimist’s point of view? Here are some tips:

1. Optimists expect the best

The defining characteristic of pessimists is that they focus on bad events and undermine everything they do. Bad events also happen to optimists. However, they maintain the opposite view. They believe that defeat is a temporary setback.

2. Optimists use 'positive reinterpretation’

Such people are unfazed by a bad situation, they perceive it as a challenge to make them learn and grow. They don’t say “Things will never get better,” “If I failed once, it will happen again”, and “If I experience misfortune in one part of my life, then it will happen in my whole life.”

Positive expectancies result in better reactions during transitions to new environments and sudden tragedies. When the going gets tough, optimists get tougher.

3. Optimists are proactive and less dependent on others for their happiness

They find no need to control or manipulate people. They naturally draw people to them. Their optimistic view of the world is contagious and influences others.

Optimism is a socially desirable trait in all communities. Optimists often win elections and are more popular. People treat pessimists and those who spread gloom, panic, and hysteria unfavorably.

4. Optimists persevere

Pessimists react to a stressful event by denying its existence or simply avoiding it. Pessimists are more likely to quit when a difficulty arises.

Optimists don’t give up easily. They are patient. They take small steps towards their goal or dream. Because of this healthy disposition, optimists are healthier and they live longer.

Medical research shows that a positive outlook can cause measurable increase in the body's ability to fight disease. Optimists age well and outlive those prone to negative thoughts.

Be an optimist. Look forward to success in all your endeavors. Be resilient. Like everybody else, you are bound to hit low points but do not just stay there. More importantly, inspire others to remove their dark-colored glasses and begin to see life’s bright side.

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