April 25, 2019
Jim was by nature an optimist, a gregarious extrovert--cheerful almost to excess. To him the world was a good place where "everything will turn out all right in the long run." Pessimists see the glass as half-empty; optimists see the glass as half-full; Jim saw the glass as overflowing. He never met a stranger, a trait which provides a nice balance for my more reticent, introverted personality. When entering a crowded room where I was expected to make small-talk, he was the man I wanted by my side.
Some experts disagree, but I am certain this positive attitude was a factor in his long term survival. Judging from the people I know, optimism seems to be a common personality trait among those who out-live their prognoses.
That emotions affect health is indisputable. Physiological responses have been scientifically measured proving a direct link to positive and negative feelings. But optimism is not in the strictest sense an emotion. How then can this attitude affect a physical outcome?
1. Optimists tend to take better care of themselves because they expect to be around for a long while.
2. Optimists have a healthy sense of control.
3. Optimists have better interpersonal relationships.
4. Optimists probably have larger social networks.
5. Optimists make better patients because they believe following the doctor's plan will result in a positive outcome.
Let me make this perfectly clear. While I believe optimism had a positive impact on Jim's long term survival, I do not believe we can directly control cancer with our thoughts--an idea which puts undue guilt on the already overburdened patient--and his caregiver. "The incessant pressure to be positive imposes an enormous burden on patients whose course of treatment doesn't go as planned." I know I have grappled with the thought that my lack of faith might somehow contribute to Jim's demise.
We like to think we can control the outcome of cancer by our thoughts--simply "think" it away. But the reality is: optimists AND pessimists die from cancer. "Cancer doesn't care if we're good or bad, virtuous or vicious, compassionate or inconsiderate" (Ibid). One thing though is certain: the journey is a heck of a lot more pleasant for the optimist.
But what if you are not wired for optimism? If you are not a Pollyanna by nature, should you throw in the towel? Are you doomed by a personality trait formed in utero, or, according to child development experts, during the first seven years of your life?
I bring good news. Optimism can be learned. A recent study at the University of Pennsylvania showed that a group of students, identified as pessimistic, who participated in a workshop on cognitive coping skills reported fewer adverse physical problems and took a more active role in maintaining their health than those in the control group (http://health.discovery.com/centers/mental/articles/optimism/optimism.html).
Although I am a great supporter of cognitive behavioral therapy, I doubt that any of you have the time or energy to devote to psychotherapy while you are battling for your lives. Take heart. Jesus, the great psychologist, knew that we human beings have the capacity to change our way of thinking. In Philippians, He gives us directions for rewiring.
"Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious--the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies (Philippians 4:8, The Message).
If you are a cock-eyed optimist, good for you. If your glass needs filling, don't add to your guilt by blaming yourself for your cancer. The best you can do is to control the emotions which can and do affect physiology and follow God's instructions to modify your thought processes. Cancer might not go away, but with your rose-colored glasses, everything will look better.
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