Wisdom of the World’s Oldest People --- Optimism …

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” – Maria Robinson

I have always thought this to be true – that a positive attitude and optimism are key to growth, spirit, success and happiness. I see it in myself; I see it in my family and my clients. And I have found validation … again.

In the book, The Wisdom of the World’s Oldest People, (The Earth Elders Foundation, ISBN: 0-976910802, http://www.earthselders.org ), we learn that the first trait that bound each to the other is a positive attitude. This book contains stories and interviews with the oldest people on our earth, and probes into their lives and how they have achieved living as long as they have.

What did the authors find? The elders were always optimistic. The elders recall the good things in life, and don’t dwell on the hardships they have encountered. They put the setbacks behind them as history, and focused looking forward. They learned to preserve and overcome. The hardships they have encountered – war, famine, natural cause devastation – the things that today would bring our world to its needs, they have lived, survived and went on. They are evidence - in age and spirit – that our attitude does clearly have an impact on the length and sweetness of life.

This is a lesson learned. One can dwell in the past and recall the difficult and tough times, or choose to look forward and recall the good things in life. If you elect the latter, you will live a better, longer, more fulfilled and a sweet life of opportunity and promise.

If you think about this, a job loss, while surely a life defining event, can be put into perspective. A mistake in career choice – that can be changed. A life or relationship problem – again, can be corrected. It is all up to you to continue to be optimistic and maintain a positive attitude during the difficult times.

We can learn from our elders, and their wisdom. They deserve our respect, and our attention.

And thank you for reading this. - Dan

PS: Start reading this - you can't put it down!

Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
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