Seeing the World Through a Prism of Faith
I have only once met a happy atheist. That is not to say more don’t exist. I’m simply observing that I’ve only personally met one. I oftentimes wonder if the reason for that is how difficult the challenges in life must seem if there is no one greater than us out there.
If our only salvation is mankind, and we know human beings to be so flawed, is it possible that optimism is nearly unattainable for those without a faith in Someone bigger, greater, omniscient, omnipresent who we know keeps our best interest at heart?
Viewing the world through a prism of faith in people and a belief in God allows us to see the best of all things, without being naive or so optimistic that pragmatism falls on deaf ears. Seeing the glass as half full is something that proves to be challenging without a faith in people and a belief that Someone -much greater than us- is in complete control of the universe.
I recently read an article from a series in Psychology Today called The Mystery of Happiness. In it Dr. T. Byram Karasu states, “The prism of faith catches the light and disperses it on every aspect of your life, whether it is health, work satisfaction, marital contentment, or death. Pessimism is spiritual starvation. Seeing the world through the no-faith prism is simply a misunderstanding of life.”
Pessimism can be a life suck. It more often than not will reveal itself as a thief of happiness. It takes away what is rightfully yours and replaces it with a distortion of reality and facts.
Regularly assuming the worst from people and in life is one of the shortest journeys to unhappiness. Driving on that rocky road keeps us on guard; always on the defensive. In sports, a strong defense is what wins the game. In life, the exact opposite is true.
There was once a time when people believed pessimism and optimism were as a result of personality; traits inherited at birth. But science has since proven these two distinctive outlooks are mindsets we adopt as situations arise rather than something passed down generationally. They are learned responses.
The good news, however, is we have always been and will always be in complete control of our outlook. How we view life, and thus our ability to create happiness within it, lies in our beliefs. And an ability to change your outlook from pessimistic to optimistic rests solely in your decision to do so.
Many argue there are uses for pessimism in the world. I agree. But when it comes to creating and building happiness in your life, viewing the world through a prism of faith rather than optics of pessimism will quickly prove to be the gift that just keeps on giving.
Until tomorrow…make it a great day!
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Fawn Weaver
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