[hamster-bamster]

I have started using Optimism. Very cool. But I do not understand one thing: under "Stay Well Strategies", they have "Looking outwards". I do not understand what it means. Can someone please explain with examples?

[BlueInanna]

Good question, I'd like to know too! Since it's in stay well strategies, I've taken it to mean: looking for solutions, not dwelling on issues

I interpret that as getting out of my head and my own problems and spending time focused on pretty much anything else but what is spinning around in my head, particularly if it time spent working with or helping others.

[Confusedinomicon]

Originally Posted by farmergirl

I interpret that as getting out of my head and my own problems and spending time focused on pretty much anything else but what is spinning around in my head, particularly if it time spent working with or helping others.

I agree with this. I have found that I don't worry nearly as much because I'm applying myself in different areas that don't always require me to sit and think about my actions. I also found that thinking this way keeps a lot of anxiety down.

It is REALLLLY hard to do when you first start off because it's wayyyy easier to think about the problem that you have as opposed to something else. You basically have to train yourself to do it before it becomes automatic. (I struggle doing this sometimes)

[insideout]

I believe it means being mindful of the world outside of yourself, rather than being mind-full (mind filled with thoughts).

[hamster-bamster]

Originally Posted by insideout

I believe it means being mindful of the world outside of yourself, rather than being mind-full (mind filled with thoughts).

I like your wordplay...

Thank you everyone - this gives me ideas.

[Merlin]

I've edited it, the software, to my own chosen strategies.

Originally Posted by Merlin

I've edited it, the software, to my own chosen strategies.

Yes, I've gone into the editing option and changed quite a few things on Optimism so it best reflects descriptors that make sense to me and my symptoms/life. You can take things completely off or rename them to your heart's desire which is the great thing about the program.

[BipolaRNurse]

Looking outwards.......I've taken it to mean looking at the bigger picture and thinking about the future, rather than locking myself into a little box and focusing on my problems, like I tend to do when I'm depressed.

I like Optimism too, especially because you can customize it for your needs.

[hamster-bamster]

Originally Posted by Merlin

I've edited it, the software, to my own chosen strategies.

Would you mind sharing them? I edited the triggers - instead of alcohol consumption, put "migraines", but it did not occur to me to edit the strategies.

[insideout]

i thought you were all speaking in metaphors.
where do you find the program at?
is "optimism" a class or something?
where can i find it?

[BlueInanna]

ahhh u cracking me up today... rofl...

it's a free download, i put it on my desktop, search "optimism software"

honestly i forget to report in it half the time

[hamster-bamster]

I use it in my browser, search for 'optimism online'.

[insideout]

very cool!! how in the world did you find this?

[hamster-bamster]

I have found it thanks to recommendations from people on this board.

[Merlin]

Some of the strategies I added were:

Work/Courses
Completed Hygiene
Routine Sleep

[hamster-bamster]

Originally Posted by Merlin

Some of the strategies I added were:

Work/Courses
Completed Hygiene
Routine Sleep

Those are biggies. I am borrowing those.

[LiteraryLark]

Originally Posted by hamster-bamster

I have started using Optimism. Very cool. But I do not understand one thing: under "Stay Well Strategies", they have "Looking outwards". I do not understand what it means. Can someone please explain with examples?

Looking outwards is like saying "The future looks bright even when the clouds are gloomy today." Much like this too shall pass, you can accept that though today was a crummy day, tomorrow is an opportunity of having a great day.

I agree with lots said here. Looking inwards only I think can be a bit futile without looking outwards as well. I agree with the being mindful. I think if we are looking outwards as well as inwards we can find new ways, solutions, peace, instead of running in crazy circles in our heads.

This is very cool, I'm gonna go download it now!