Chapter 3

3

Optimism and Reality

A part of this chapter "Cultivate Optimism in Yourself" reminds me one of the turning points in my life, shifting from pessimist to optimist. When I was 4 or 5th grader, I was interested in playing dodge ball which is the most played sport among elementary kids. And it is popular even today (my brother told me). My school had its official tournament and almost everyone in the class was so excited about it. What I had been thinking at that time was I want to be a stronger player. Then, I joined regional dodge ball team and practiced every Saturday. The first impression of the team was great. I could not wait until Saturday to go practice. However, as soon as I was selected to be a regular member, the coach's attitude toward me had changed. He used to be so kind and nice, but he became extremely strict and quick-tampered. Now, I am able to understand why he seemed to be like that, but I could not understand it at all in my 4 or 5th grade. I did misunderstanding that he treats me badly because he does not like me. I started think everything negatively, and I finally quit the team because sometimes I could not sleep for thinking about that coach.

Graduating elementary school and entering middle school, I joined volleyball team which was said to be the most strict club in the school. The reason is because I wanted to endure and overcome the similar situation, and grow as a person. Needless to say, the coach was even stricter. Practice was held every morning, after school and most of the weekends. I was almost discouraged many many times. However, I persuaded myself each time that if I could overcome this, I would appreciate myself, and it will definitely be one of my valuable experiences. I tried to think positively rather than negatively. It was not as easy as saying, but not only me who was enduring, so did my teammates. Therefore, I cooperated with them and conquer that situation.
                                               

Looking back those days, I feel proud of myself for enduring such circumstance. I learned many things through the experience, including the importance of being an optimist. I am not regretting time when I was negative thinker. Rather, I think what I used to be has made what I am today. If you tend to think negatively, I highly recommend to cultivate optimism in yourself.