This post has been sponsored by Frost Bank. All opinions are mine.
At the very end of July this year, I told you about the 30-day Opt For Optimism Challenge being put on by Frost Bank.
I was interested to give it a go, but honestly I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I’m not what you’d call an optimist, but also I wasn’t sure that could change in just 30 days.
While I’m still not sure about that label, I did really enjoy the challenges laid out each day. Though they were condensed into a 30 day period, most of these seem like good things to add into normal life, long after the challenge has ended.
If you’d like to take a peek and haven’t yet, don’t worry! You can still sign up for the challenge here! I can’t recommend it enough! These are small things that you’ll want to be a part of your life, not just for the next 30 days but for the next 30 years as well!
These challenges encourage connection which is such a huge part of happiness. We’re meant to be around other people yet when we’re feeling down, most of us tend to turn inward instead of reaching out.
There were wonderful challenge reminders like having lunch with a friend to catch up, sending flowers to some one else just because and even writing a letter to some one you care about. I sorta went with breakfast instead of lunch, but I think it still counts!
Letter writing is all but a lost art (do you even know your friends’ addresses?) but it’s such a sweet way to show your love and care for some one else. My handwriting might be terrible, but I can’t think of a single person who wouldn’t love getting a letter in the mail!
A few of the challenges are already a part of my life, but I know from experience how much these things can have an impact. Day 19 we were encouraged to sign up to volunteer somewhere locally, but since I already work with homeless youth on a weekly basis, I didn’t add a new volunteer spot. I kind of put this one out of my mind, but looking back in a way I combined the volunteer challenge with the challenge from day 21 – donating anything from your closet that you didn’t wear in the last year.
The spot where I work downtown was in desperate need of new shoes, and many of my friends jumped at the chance to donate! It was wonderful seeing a community of people come together and gather shoes for youth in need. I definitely felt optimistic the day I got to sort all the new shoes and put them on shelves that had been practically empty the week before!
Lastly, this challenge is so fun to do with kids. These are great tools and resources to share with your kids to help them start being more optimistic as well.
Modeling calming practices like reflecting on what went well that day, and even baking treats for the local fire station are all things families can do together! This is a great way that the opt for optimism challenge can have a huge impact for generations to come!
Have you joined the challenge yet? Join in all the fun here! And if you have been doing the challenge right along with me, be sure to leave a comment and let me know how it went for you!
Ann says
I love the letter writing! My gamily still writes thank yous for everything we get as gifts at christmas or birthday! I agree that letter writing is a lost art! I am putting a few “hello” cards in the mail tonight! Thanks for the idea!
Floricel says
I also love the letter writing and bring back connection to everyone.
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