"To Me Optimism Is"

Excerpts from his speech for the Oratorical Contest - just picked out paragraphs.

Dictionary.com defines optimism as “a disposition or tendency to look on the more favorable side of events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome.” In other words, it means to look on the positive side of life. While I agree with this, I believe optimism to be something more. Optimism should not just be a state of mind; it should also be a way of life. How can this be possible? Optimism can be expressed in many ways.

I believe an optimist expects the best of not only events or conditions, but also of people. No matter the faults of others, they strive to see the better side. A perfect example of this is my grandmother. There have been many times she has forgiven her employees for petty theft. One in particular tells her one of his many children is sick each time he pilfers. He apologizes, and she believes he will change his ways. It drives my mother crazy.

I am a born optimist. I focus more on my successes and minimize my failures. I take pleasure in my triumphs, no matter how small they may be. I try to be just as enthusiastic about the success of others and make them feel as if there is something special about them. I may be more excited about my own victories, but I try! Some people think that luck is responsible for their success and that it will not last. However, optimistic people acknowledge that it is also due to hard work and ability.

I believe that while optimism is good, it has to go hand-in-hand with hard work. Gamblers are an example of optimistic people. Despite the overwhelming odds against winning, they still think they have a chance. While their positive thinking is admirable, it may be taken too far. Being optimistic does not mean laying back and expecting the chips to fall into place. Luck should not be interpreted as optimism.

As optimists, we should not only see the world as a beautiful place, but also try to preserve it. Positive thinking contributes to the vitality of the community and also helps make the world a better place. You can always tell whether someone in your neighborhood is an optimist. Whether it is picking up trash, or helping those who need it, they are always there. They work unceasingly to make their vision of a perfect world a reality. For them, as it should be for everyone, optimism is not just a state of mind, it is a way of life.