For survival reasons, the human brain subconsciously embeds self-defeating, false messages (emanating primarily from our childhood and adolescent years) that work against our best interests. Unfortunately, for the majority of us, we aren’t aware of the presence of these toxic stories that guide our daily attitude, behavior and actions. Most of us fear getting in touch with these traumatic stories because our brains are wired to avoid pain. It is impossible to purge our brains from these difficult messages – they remain there for survival reasons. And therein lies the problem – we naively think that these toxic thoughts aren’t negatively impacting us but the truth is that they are the source of lots of stress and anxiety in our lives and they keep us from acting in our best interests and from achieving a deeper sense of fulfillment and meaning in our lives.

Time Magazine recently published a special edition, The Power of Optimism – Its Remarkable Impact. One of the important articles in the magazine is Shining Bright by Emily Joshu. Joshu writes about five current and past well-known individuals who, not only were in touch with their challenging hidden messages, but used them to overcome adversity, attain fulfillment in their lives and inspire others:

  • Oprah Winfrey – Joshu writes that Oprah “overcame a childhood plagued by poverty and abuse, as well as skepticism from the (media) industry.” Winfrey has “frequently cited optimism as a key factor in her success” and has spoken of the ability to “create our own circumstances that we make and the choices that we make that are fueled by our thoughts”. In other words, we have the ability to take control of our brains.

 

  • Alex Smith – Alex is an NFL quarterback for the Washington Football Team. Joshu writes that in 2018, Smith “shattered two bones in his lower leg during a game. A few days after doctors pieced the bones back together with 29 screws and two metal plates, they realized that bacteria from the field had entered the wound. The resulting necrotizing fasciitis nearly killed Smith and he endured 17 surgeries and muscle and skin grafts”. Smith successfully returned to the game, earning the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award”. He is now retired and says, “There are so many things you can’t control, but every single day you wake up, you have the power to control your attitude and how you approach the things ahead of you. That’s something I focused on every day”.

 

  • Walt Disney – The legendary Walt Disney created one of the most successful companies in the last 100 years. But it didn’t come easily. Disney was laid off after a short stint at an art studio, experienced bankruptcy and had a massive battle with distributor Charles Mintz who “owned the rights to the successful character (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit) and was attempting to take over the young Walt Disney Studios”. Disney chose to remain optimistic despite his ongoing difficulties. He said, “I always like to look on the optimistic side of life but I am realistic to know that life is a realistic matter”. Disney remain grounded but refused to let his life’s challenges take over his brain in a negative way.

 

  • Helen Keller – As is well known, Keller, at 18 months old, “was afflicted with an unknown illness that resulted in her becoming both deaf and blind”.  Keller refused to let her affliction damper her spirit. She became a “tireless political activist and advocate for people with disabilities” and “cofounded the American Civil Liberties Union”. She defined an optimist as someone who “believes, attempts, achieves” and whose soul “meets his own and beats a glad march to every new discovery, every fresh victory over difficulties, every addition to human knowledge and happiness”. Keller refused to let her traumatic life experiences overtake her brain – she took control over her attitude, thoughts and behavior.

 

  • The Dalai Lama – The Dalai Lama has experienced a lifetime of challenging circumstances. The Tibetan spiritual leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner was faced with “extreme aggression and hostility in the face of issues such as the liberation of Tibet from Chinese rule”. But he has chosen to remain optimistic throughout his life. He has advised, “There is no other choice. Optimistic attitude, not foolishly but holistically, is a major factor to keep your mind fresh. Even your physical health (benefits). So if you want to die soon, then meditate on pessimism”.

The above five people come from different backgrounds, vocations and times but they share an ability to take control of their brains in the most difficult life circumstances. They chose to remain optimistic and persevere to make a difference in the lives of many people. How inspiring!