Philosophy of Optimism

From the time that we get up in the morning to the time that we go to bed at night, we are faced with a continuous line of choices. The choices may be simple ones such as which clothes we wear, what to eat for breakfast, or how to spend our free time. Our mood for the day should be one more of these choices. Happiness, sadness, optimism, and pessimism should not be determined just by external situations. We ought to choose to be optimistic.

One cannot simply choose not to make a decision in life. Not making a choice is also making a choice. Allowing our wardrobe to ebb and flow on or off our body is a ridiculous notion, yet I have often perceived the same idea heralded regarding our mood. A prime example from literature is the tragic character of Romeo. He was buffeted by each new circumstance. Calling himself "fortune's fool," he was incapable of circumventing depression, emotional pain, and eventual death because he failed to make a choice to look at his circumstances in a positive light. My attitude is one of the most important decisions I make. It determines how I feel, helps me accomplish things, and even encourages others.

To choose to be optimistic is a better choice. To be cheerful, even in the midst of hardship or difficulty, is an asset throughout all situations in life. I was the Senior Patrol Leader on a New Mexico Philmont Scout Ranch outing with my Boy Scout Troop in the summer of 2006. Several times during the hike circumstances became tough. It rained every day. The hikes were long and hot. Crew members tried to shirk duties or simply ignored responsibilities in the roster. Only after being encouraged to have a good attitude or witnessing leadership exhibiting a good attitude did the crew truly form a cohesive unit and begin to enjoy the hike. Having a cheerful outlook positively affected the troop and ultimately our entire Philmont experience.

You do not have to be happy all of the time. Depressing, rainy or grievous days do happen, but that should not prevent us from choosing to be positive. As C.S. Lewis noted, "Very often the only way to get a quality in reality is to start behaving as if you had it already." That concept applies to optimism. Simply acting optimistic on the outside allows the internal part of man to "toe the line."

In conclusion, optimism is a choice - the best choice. It is an active decision that demands deeds, but yet does not require a constant state of joy. By implementing this philosophy of conscious optimism, I can truly work to solve problems, develop relationships, and enjoy life. Winston Churchill put it best, " I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else."

Yeah, what he said!

I remember saying something about the role of confession of sin in the sacrament of Communion awhile back (i.e. it's not supposed to be there), so when I saw this post by (Pastor) Doug Wilson I decided to link to it here, just in case there are lingering doubts regarding my position. Basically, I agree with everything in this post. And boy, it's a good one.

-"Pops"

Wash-arado

Here I am in Colorado, once again, for another (totally awesome) Communicators for Christ conference with all my debate and speech friends. I've already got ideas for blog posts ... but absolutely no time in which to write them.

I will have a 3 hour flight home though ...

... I'll talk to y'all then.

HAPPY BIRTHDAAAAAAAAY!!!

Nate: It's true, ladies and gentlemen! I'm sitting here at the upstairs computer beside Matt Pitchford listening to The Princess Bride on the DVD player and having difficulty with the unfamiliar keyboard. Stupid keyboard.

For our first act, Matt Pitchford shall interview my goodself, Nate Mathews, who was the original instigator of this whole idea. So without further ado, I turn the keys over to Matt. Take it away, Matt.

Matt: Well, the only reason I decided to get this blog was if you decided to do it with me. As such, I think the good readers need some true insights into the co-founder of the esteemed Radical Traditions ... and I really can't think of a question that the readers could possibly be interested in. Ah well, some unverified rumors contend that you will be leaving the team ... is this true?

Nate: Alas, Mr. Pitchford, the rumours are hereby verified. Lord willin' and the crick don't rise I'll be joining the Air Force and shipping out as soon as I can. Which these days is a couple months. And while it's possible that I can continue posting, it should not be counted on. On the other paw, you've brought me back from the brink more than once, so perhaps I will continue. But I hear that you'll be going off to college soon yourself? What will the future of Radical Traditions be?

Matt: I am in the midst of college applications as we speak. As of now, I am waiting for letters of admission or rejection, but I certainly intend to scuttle off to some institution of higher learning. I will certainly endeavor to continue the blog throughout my experience "on campus." The posting will continue its haggard schedule, but Radical Traditions shall certainly not perish without an effort. What efforts do you intend to persue as you go the way of Maverick?

Nate: Oh I'll probably not be flying. My top five jobs will include things like Intelligence, Crypto-Linguistics, Music, Computers, and Communications. It just depends where the Air Force and God want me. A primary goal of joining the USAF, though, is establishing myself for the establishment of my household. But tell us, Matt, why the name "Radical Traditions?" Does the name refer to you and Nate? I mean I?

Matt: The name Radical Traditions was your idea, you know. I've always thought of the blog as referring to the fact that we are two "warrior-poets" thrust upon a relativistic and depraved quagmire that is current society. (Honestly, I had Nate help me put that sentence together. I was a bit too "brief" for his own tastes.) Basically, we are two traditionalists in a world that has become so twisted that our "old" ideas become radical in and of themselves. That's always what I've thought and espoused. Alas, we have spent far too much time engaging in conversation, reveling in each other's company, that we must draw this conversation to a close with one final question: What is the average velocity of an unladen swallow?

Nate: What? I don't know that! AAAAAAAAAAAAAA-

Exeunt, pursued by a bear

Happy Birthday!

Today celebrates the very first anniversary of Radical Traditions! Now we can say - with a touch of pride - that we've been posting commentary and random ramblings "since 2005."

Thanks for reading - and here's to another fruitful and thoughtful year!