Destination: Optimist

I'm one of those people who spends time thinking about how I should be, what I should change about myself, what my goals are, etc. In a job-related class once the term was self-actualization. It's a great thing until you do it too much. That phenomenon is often called the Ready, Set, Set, Set syndrome.
A few years ago, we began holding the Kilgore's Christmas party at a local Optimist club. I remember very well that first evening being fascinated by their creed, written boldly on one wall. I read it several times and thought, that's who I want to be. Those first few years, the party was held in December, and that creed filled me with all kinds of New Year's resolutions. Bill recently joined that Optimist club and I even posted a copy of the creed on our refrigerator. This year the party was held in January, last weekend, so too late for resolutions. I still spent a few moments re-reading the words yet again and thinking, 'what a wonderful way to live'.

So here it is, in case you haven't read it before:

The Optimist Creed: Promise Yourself-
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.