Leonid's - The Optimism Advantage

Leonid Blyum the ABR founder posted some inspiring notes in his New Years Greeting that I would like to share with visitors to Missy's Blog. The Optimism Advantage can apply to all walks of life and particularly to parents.
Here is the link to his blog, I have just grabbed snippets from it, it makes for some interest reading.
http://blyum.typepad.com/on_abr_and_beyond/2011/01/2011-new-year-greetings-the-optimism-advantage-.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+OnAbrAndBeyond+%28On+ABR+and+beyond...%29
I’d dare to encourage you to make an effort and even when it feels difficult to keep your optimistic stance – still to keep trying and keeping your internal ‘reality perception’ filters switched into the “Positive” mode.

I know it’s not easy. Sometimes the pressures of juggling all the challenges of bringing up a child with special needs and physical impairments mount up to such extremes that it appears impossible to keep looking at ‘the bright side of life’…
I understand it very well.

At the end of the day, I am Russian, right?

And by and large we are one of the most if not the most pessimistic nation on the face of the planet.
So when a Russian encourages you to take an optimism stance – it’s worth giving it a thought… :-)

The basis of my judgment is plain and simple – optimism pays-off; and I am not simply generalizing – I am talking about the ability of special parents to bring the maximum contribution towards the developmental advancement of the kids with Cerebral Palsy.

ABR is a coaching program for parents. The ABR works through you –- the progress of Cerebral Palsy kids depends on the skill and the ability of a parent to deliver consistent day-in day-out work of high technical quality.

Leonid goes on talk about the key elements that come into play that ensures Optimism pays off. Motivation - more aware of the signs of progress. Higher Energy Level - being optimism doesn't tax you like hesitance, indecisiveness and anxiety . Seeing opportunities rather than obstacles - this is really a point I'm endeavouring to take on board, as we search for a new vehicle, having our wonderful van written off last week. I'm hoping that a new van will provide different opportunities for us, once we jump over the pile of decisions and choices.

Leonid writes: I’d be happy if this little post with the praise for optimism is going to help you in improving your ‘inner game’ even just a little extra bit.
Consider it done, Leonid