Progress isn't always forward and upward isn't always a straight line.

Optimism is a drug, not a reality. This is the part where you get to take your philosophy, psychology, and religion and shove it somewhere. Any of those theories that you subscribe to, take a back seat. Life hits you square in the face while you've been debating the latest religious scandal or philosophical trend.

Stop talking about your life and live it! There is freedom in living.

I've always hated it when people have called me optimistic. I am not one. I have been dealt many things I never wish on anybody, and I have had to deal with many problems that I did not think I could and didn't think was fair.

Everyone has their own set of problems that are their problems and they need them dealt with, not swept under a rainbow colored rug or told to power through.

There is a real cost to the reality of life. There is a real path that is created by your reality, and no matter what that path looks like, don't detour from it. No matter how hard it is, or who is telling you whatever, stay on that path. I have lost many things because I stayed on my path at times when I would have rather gotten off and "saved" something.

Optimistic people use it as a drug to cover their feelings. That's as bad as depression. Religious people tend to do the same things. Life is not created by positive effort. Life has hardships I don't care who you are. It takes a strong will and determination. Ask the girl who was homeless for 3 years on her own if optimism got her here. Ask the converted drug user if optimism helped him break his addiction. Determination and focus are the keys, how you carry those keys has a lot to do with the success of your endeavor.

All the cliches need to die. All the passerby statements need to be murdered.

An optimistic den is a den full of life but not one soul. Don't buy it, pick a different den.

When you are making progress learn to take the downs with the ups. Athletes get injured. Dad's lose their jobs. Kids make mistakes. You are going to have both productive and difficult days. Be ready for both.

Bravery and courage are not optimism. Friendly and engaging isn't optimism. So go ahead. You have permission to do these things and not be optimistic about your day or life. You can have a good day and it has nothing to do with optimism. Sometimes people say you are optimistic because they are surrounded by difficulties, not you.

In your den create an atmosphere where optimism is uncomfortable but sharing is absolutely the norm. Create a den that is safe from outside influences that you can frequent to regain focus, determination, and clarity over your life. More people need these Dens!