And The Sun Came
During a recent conversation, the topic turned to the latest news on television. When asked for my opinion, I prefaced my answer by saying, “You know that I always search for the silver lining, don’t you?” A friend answered in a way that surprised me by saying, “I know you are a positive thinker, but I also consider you a realist.” A realist? It’s true that I don’t deny that bad things happen, I just do my best to not let them destroy my happiness or peace of mind. Yet, rather than thinking of myself as a realist, I prefer the idea of being a practical optimist. While optimism is important, vitally important, keeping things pragmatic is equally necessary. After all, if something doesn’t bring you the results you want, it’s advantageous to keep trying to discover what does. And if you are standing in front of a charging elephant, it is best to move out of the way.
Of course, if you’ve been reading SMART Living 365 for any length of time you probably already knew that about me, didn’t you? And you are also likely aware of the many benefits that come from being an optimist. Those well-researched benefits include living a longer and healthier life, having more friends, happier marriages, and experiencing less depression. There is also evidence that optimists make more money, experience greater success in their lives and are considered far more resilient when faced with loss or challenge.
Still, what you might not know is that a current focus on “practical” optimism is now popping up in the education field. That teaching emphasizes a child’s ability to develop the “habit” of consistently focusing on what is useful and positive in their lives. One of the ways they do that is by telling a story of Treasure Hunters and Trash Collectors. Taken from a book called 60 Strategies for Increasing Student Learning by authors Marcus Conyers and Donna Wilson, the story goes like this:
It seems that in life there are two types of people. The first are treasure hunters. Every day they seek out what is useful and positive. They focus on it, talk about it, and think about it. Each of these moments is treasured like a bright, shining jewel that they store in their treasure chest forever.
And then there are trash collectors who spend their lives looking for what is wrong, unfair, and not working. They focus their energy, time, and thoughts on the trash, and every day they put that trash into a big trashcan.
The treasure hunters proudly carry their treasure into the future, while the trash collectors drag their heavy, smelly trashcan from one day to the next. The question is: When they get to the end of the year, what does each person have—a treasure chest filled with useful, positive memories, or a trash can full of things they didn’t like?
The choice is yours. You get to decide.
The strategy is to follow up the story with ongoing questions that encourage the students to think of the positive things in their life on a regular basis. Not only are they asked to list these experiences, they are also introduced to the idea of using mind-maps to draw and show connections to how these experiences evolve in their lives. By teaching the students to continually “…seek out what is useful and positive,” they make such discovery an ongoing habit. The educators believe that showing students that they have “the capacity to increase their levels of practical optimism by the choices they make” leads to many of them being motivated to do so. Who among us wouldn’t be equally inspired?
They don’t just stop with the Treasure Hunter and Trash Collector story either. The authors recognize that the teachers and the administrators at every school have a large influence on the students in their care. They recommend that everyone at the school:
- Celebrate achievements, however small, for every positive step forward you take.
- Spend time with people and in places that make you feel happy, refreshed and rejuvenated.
- Express gratitude every single day.
- Regularly commit small acts of kindness.
- Give your brain and your body a positive energetic workout on a daily basis.
- Infuse positive feelings into your surroundings.
- Be mindful of your emotional state on a regular basis.
These educators also make a practice of reminding their students (and hopefully themselves) that our brains are continually growing and capable of change regardless of the past. When children and adults hear the ongoing message that our brains are plastic enough to continue to evolve throughout our lifetimes, we will hopefully never stop wanting to learn. It’s also vital to know we can learn no matter what our age.
In an interview by one of the authors, Marcus Conyers shares the philosophy that enabled him to write eight books around the topic of helping to create healthy and optimistic children. He said that as a child his mother, “…guided my thoughts every night in a way that would lead me to be a lifelong optimist. Every night before I went to sleep, my mother would ask, ‘What were the best things that happened today, Marcus?’ Then she would say, ‘Watch out tomorrow for even more wonderful things.’ So, each day in my early years, I learned to save the treasures of the day and look forward to the new shining treasures of tomorrow.” Would that we all had a mother that taught us about practical optimism?
A couple of months ago Thom and I purchased a new piece of art for our house. While we love the color and the movement it portrays, what is even more important is the story behind the image. Titled, And The Sun Came, the picture represents women in Uganda who have faced undefinable challenges in their life. Yet regardless of the difficulties, they hold the practical and optimistic view that the sun will always shine again. I believe this is a way that we have infused positive feelings into our personal surroundings.
I doubt most of these ideas are new to my readers, but if you are anything like me you appreciate the reminder. I also find it helpful to know that there are resources for children and schools in light of the news these days. Surely if children can be given resources to let them know that they can choose to seek out the positive and make improvements to their life, that is a good thing. No one is suggesting that all we have to do is think happy thoughts and expect good things to happen and everything will be wonderful. Things happen. Instead, it is always SMART to know that in spite the circumstances, we can pull through anything. The sun always comes up. So, do you consider yourself to be a treasure hunter or a trash collector? The choice is yours and you get to decide.
Okay, your turn! Are you a trash collector or treasure hunter? Do you have a personal story you can share that explains why? How about your children or grandchildren? Please share in the comments below?
Hi Kathy…l just discovered your blog. I actually own this painting.. and it’s a good one to go with this message. The brother of the artist is so enjoyable to speak with and listen to the stories he shares about each piece of art his brother…Paul Nzalamba creates…. this one being named..And the Sun Came…is a beautiful reminder to look up….. Thank you for what you share .
Hi Paula! Yes, it reminds us every single day to look forward and to look up! Shouldn’t all our art if possible? Thanks for your comment! ~Kathy
Hi Kathy: sorry to be the naysayer, but I’m afraid I have to disagree (again). Most people who know me would probably describe me as a person who has a positive outlook. I look for the good in people, and in situations, and strive to contribute in a positive way to the world.
BUT, as I mentioned in your post preceding this one on a similar topic, I am quite uncomfortable with the idea that we should all be focusing on turning ourselves into optimists, and instilling the idea into our children that optimists, somehow, are better people.
I value critical thinking and problem solving. I think that identifying and defining a problem is the first step toward solving that problem. There are some big problems in the world – like global warming. If we work together to tackle this multifaceted problem, we can truly make a difference. But, if instead, we turn inward and focus our energies on altering our personal perceptions to achieve individual goals of always feeling happy and good, and turn away from difficult problems because they don’t make us feel good, we are deluding ourselves and opting out just when active collaborative engagement is most needed.
I am glad that you describe yourself as a pragmatic optimist, because practical action is needed very much in the world right now.
I am wary of the binary dichotomy of optimist-pessimist. It is overly simplistic. I don’t like binaries because they so easily shift into us (e.g., optimists) versus them (e.g., pessimists). Or treasure hunters versus trash collectors.
I think that the positive psychology movement has lots to offer, especially in the area of mental health. But positive thinking strategies need to combine with practical action, not replace it.
And, by the way, I LOVE the piece of art.
Jude
Hi Jude! As I’ve mentioned before, I am always interested in hearing different viewpoints to my ideas. Not only does it help me learn and consider different ways to think about things, I think you also speak for many people who are having similar thoughts without taking the time to write a comment.
With that said, I believe we actually have similar thoughts on this (and others). Sometimes it is my inability to communicate what I am thinking that addresses the issues you bring up. Sorry about that! I don’t actually believe that everyone should be trained to be optimists. But I do believe that it is good for people (and children) to know that they have more influence on their lives and their options than is often communicated. The way the author of this book suggests might not work for everyone, but believing that people (and children) are stronger and more resilient than they often know is something I do believe is important. In my opinion at least, that doesn’t mean we are training them to be optimists, only to be self-aware and self-empowered. Does that make sense?
And I too strongly believe in critical thinking. While I believe I could be better at it than I always am, it is important. Using your example of global warming, I think it is imperative that people hold the idea that they have the ability to initiate change even on big issues–but sometimes we have to first learn that lesson on the small and personal scale before it translates to the bigger issues. When a person (or child) feels self-confident and self-empowered, I believe they are far more capable of creating positive change in the world. Far too many people these days are feeling overwhelmed and powerless so they end up doing nothing but self-medicating. Staying optimistic is not denying that it is necessary to be active in the world today (and see beyond our own individual needs.) But it does come from the point of view that unhappy and disempowered people seldom change the world anyway.
From my perspective, this is one of the most practical ways we can be in the world today. I agree that in some ways it seems like a simplistic approach to slot people into being a treasure hunter or a trash collector. But from what I have witnessed in my own life, there are LOTS of people who think only like a diode that they don’t even know there is an option. If I had to choose between the two, I think you can guess which way I’d go! But thanks as always for the stimulating dialogue! ~Kathy
I’ve never heard this analogy before, but I certainly recognize the behaviours. The trash collectors are SO difficult to be around. I find they can suck the life out of your soul because they rarely offer any meaningful solutions. They only dump doom and gloom.
It’s not lost on me however that in my working life I did not have a reputation for being Susie Sunshine. Although I’ve long lived a life of “Be Afraid. Do It Anyway” I had a career in risk management with an instinctive mindset to look for the worst case scenario in a situation.
Risk management is not an area for being airy and optimistic. When your job is to actively looking for what can go wrong in any project, people are rarely thrilled to hear what you have to say ?
The key however is being solution and action oriented – ie how do we do this in a way that makes the risk acceptable.
Be Bold … but have a plan B ?
Hi Joanne! Welcome to SMART Living! And thank you for adding your background and experience to the thoughts on this idea. I agree that when you are in certain positions–like risk management–it serves you far better to be extremely careful. And although people don’t necessarily want to hear bad news if we can avoid it, it is far better to KNOW what is really happening than to just pretend otherwise. Definitely, there is a difference between positive thinking and magical thinking. And then as you point out, having a solution and being action-oriented is a very “practical optimism” in my way of thinking. Thanks very much for sharing those ideas and I hope to hear more ideas from you in the future. ~Kathy
I never looked at the world in this particular way (thought at first you were going to write about hoarding in retirement, LOL!). I love these ideas of treasure hunting and practical optimism. It is always such a pleasure being around positive people. My husband has two good friends who couldn’t be more different from each other (except they are both windsurfers). One is a Hungarian immigrant, divorced with a precocious young son, the other is an overweight, know-it-all with an analytical personality. Guess which one is the treasure hunter? A few weeks ago the big guy offered to fine tune my new mountain bike–an inexpensive one I bought online from Walmart, to keep at the delta. All the while he worked on it, he complained and moaned about how cheap it was (sure; easy for him to spend $1000 on a road bike), while at the same time, the Hungarian guy couldn’t say enough about the low price I paid and what fun I was going to have riding it. It literally was like having the proverbial devil on one shoulder and an angel on other, whispering (as if) in my ear! Who needs all that negative energy? Very enlightening article, Kathy! Hope you get your blogging bugs worked out!
Hi Terri! Such a GREAT example between these two personalities huh? And like you say, guess which one is a “pleasure” to be around and which is just simply a pain? May we all continue to remind each other that we do have a choice of which we will be. And good for you for finding such an excellent bargin…that is rightsizing for sure! ~Kathy
Hi Kathy! I like to think I’m a treasure hunter and I’m so pleased to read that the message is being taught to our children. So different to when we were at school and most of us growing up with self-confidence issues. Have a fabulous week!
Hi Sue! Yes isn’t it wonderful to know that some people and schools are taking this approach? Have you heard of anything like this downunder? Would be awesome if this was spread around the globe. I can’t help but believe that if we raised our children with more of a treasure hunter approach that would lead to a happier and more peaceful planet. Don’t you agree? ~Kathy
Hi Kathy! No I haven’t head about this being introduced in our schools in Australia but my step-daughter is a teacher so I should make mention to her and see if we can do something. I totally agree with you and ‘treasure hunters’ would really appeal to children especially don’t you think?
I’m a treasure hunter, Kathy, and I do love your new artwork.
My treasures are not always tangible. They can be finding a phrase that is meaningful or hearing some good news on the political front. I search for that, but lately it is very hard to find. My children and grandchildren are doing well and my husband has a new treasure, a new drug to deal with his chronic leukemia. And every day is a treasure, a chance to be better and do better.
Hi Beth! And yes, from what I know about you from your blog you ARE a treasure hunter. Of course, as you point out, that isn’t always an easy path and sometimes it is much easier than at other times. But I think if we work to train ourselves then it comes more readily to us than other times. And I am happy to know that your husband is doing better on the new drug. May every new day bring us all something to appreciate. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy. Yes, we can always use reminders like these. I think for many years I was a trash collector. I look back and see my own cynicism, my what-can-go-wrong scenario planning approach to work, and a work-place that was increasingly toxic. I’ve worked hard the past 2-3 years to become more of a practical optimist. Long term friends have noticed the change. (New friends can’t image the old me.) Interestingly hubby is sometimes a trash collector… and I need to not engage with him when he is. Not always…sometimes he also is the practical optimist! And yes, sometimes I revert back as well…but I can catch myself more easily and stop it. I like myself better this way.
Hi Pat! Good for you for making the conscious effort to reach for the positive if possible. And thank you for verifying that we can change if we have the desire and patience. Of course I do agree that sometimes taking a more “sober” look at the situation can be helpful…I’ve read that pessimists are better at going to the doctor for routine checkups. But in the long run I think the facts are just too clear that we practical optimists have the advantage. ~Kathy
Yes I’m a treasure hunter too but that was instilled by my parents not school, where I was bullied. Children are also
“Wet cement”, sometimes the impressions made on them in formative years set hard . It sometimes takes years and determination to gain the strengths to break the mold and create a new way of living.
Hi Yvette! Thank goodness your parents knew how to help you become a treasure hunter. I personally don’t think schools are better at it–and parents have the most influence especially before school age, but if they don’t get it at home, it’s nice to know some will at school. And I appreciate the analogy of “wet cement.” Obviously, some children have a much more challenging time than others growing up but surely teaching them that things can change, that they can change is valuable. I would hope that we all know now that consciousness is flexible. And with the right support and direction, we can change so many things about ourselves that in the past wasn’t realized. Thanks so much for sharing this line of thinking with us! ~Kathy
Hi Kathy. I’m a treasure hunter for sure, always have been! What’s different now is that I used to want to turn all of the trash collectors I loved into treasure hunters. I saw it as my job to support them, give them money, fix their life circumstances so they’d be happy. Just recently, and I mean as in the last two weeks, I’ve come to the realization that if trash collectors are fixable, they have to want it and they have to do it themselves. I’m currently extricating myself from my final trash collector situation and have vowed never to go there again. The way forward is filled to the brim with shiny, amazing treasures, and I couldn’t be more excited.
Thanks for this timely and thought-provoking post, Kathy. Metaphors and analogies are great teaching tools – for we adults just as much as for kids.
Hi Karen! Nice to see so many treasure hunters in the world, right? And I agree it is tempting to try to “help” trash collectors, but your example reminds us all that people have to make a choice like that for themselves. I do like to believe that we can be role-models for anyone willing to watch and observe, but as you said, “they have to want it and they have to do it themselves.” Good for you for finding freedom from those in your life who refuse to change. That’s a GREAT example of practical optimism. And yes to a shiny future filled with more treasures that we can imagine. ~Kathy
This is such a wonderful post, Kathy. I agree with you that while these ideas are not new — it is a wonderful, and important reminder. I also loved reading about how this is being used in schools. Treasure Hunter? Or Trash Collector? We do get to each decide. My silent prayer is that we all choose wisely.
Hi Donna! Thank you. Yes, isn’t it good to know that some schools are adopting this approach? I can’t help but believe that rather than “arming teachers” (YIKES!) or teaching kids to be afraid every day when they go to school, this is so much more mentally helpful to the students in the long run. I’d LOVE to get more feedback on that from some readers who have children. And I agree that choosing wisely in all cases is critical. ~Kathy
Treasure Hunter…
I KNEW that!!! 🙂
I love this analogy! I am a treasure hunter. I am naturally inquisitive and I think born happy.I get very frustrated with trash collectors.I was a manager and it was a very difficult job for me because I had some “Trash Collectors”. These folks spent more of their time in trying to figure out how not to do the job than actually doing it. When evaluations occurred it was my fault, the company’s fault, the spin of the earth, for not explaining individually each and every goal expectation ad nauseam!
Hi Haralee! I’m betting that most of my readers are treasure hunters by nature so I’m not surprised to learn that it is your natural choice. I agree that it can be exhausting to be around trash collectors and I confess that I do my best to avoid them if at all possible. And thanks for pointing out that “blaming others” is a sure sign of someone who leans in that direction. It’s not that we can’t see them coming, it’s just sometimes hard to get away. ~Kathy
Hi everyone! Sorry for the wrong link showing up this morning when you clicked on the email. For some reason my WordPress scheduler didn’t work right??? Oh, the joys of blogging. Thanks as always for your patience and support! ~Kathy