A Positive Outlook

Translated by Rabbi Lazer Brody

 
In order to acquire and maintain a positive outlook on life and to avoid tormenting ourselves, we must contantly remind ourselves that one's every thought, utterance, and deed is the result of precision Divine providence. Rebbe Nachman of Breslev explains (see Likutei Moharan I: 54) that everything that happens in a person's life as well as all the stimuli of one's environment are none other than messages from Hashem to help a person perform his task in life. The "I" plays no part. When a person looks for Hashem's messages within any situation, he can understand what Hashem wants from him and realize that everything is for the very best. That way, he doesn't use himself as a whipping post and he keeps a positive outlook on life and on himself.
 
As soon as a person realizes that even his thoughts come from Hashem, he becomes much more cognizant of the world around him, realizing that everything is a Divine message to stimulate our desire to rectify ourselves and to get close to Hashem.
 
The main purpose of creation was to enable free choice. A person must make choices every moment in life. He can choose between a positive optimistic outlook or a negative and pessimistic outlook. He can judge himself and others fairly or he can criticize everyone. He can focus on Achmedinejad and threats of war or he can think about how he can teach emuna to his cousin in Miami.
 
At any time, a person can choose between good and evil, which is a choice between the emuna mindset of the good inclination and between the depression-prone ego-centered mindset of the evil inclination, which focuses on the "I" rather than on Hashem. One who chooses to focus on Hashem can always be happy. As we mentioned earlier, he avoids the pitfalls of self-torment and lamenting bout the past. By focusing on the evil inclination's heretical mindset of "I am in charge," one suffers terrible emotional swings and moods – elation when successful and utter despair when not.
 
One who is a slave to the evil inclination can never be satisfied with himself. He who makes the right choice and focuses on Hashem, realizing that Hashem determines the outcome of whatever we do, can always be happy.
 
Here's an example: suppose a person has a thought about some form of bodily lust. The right choice is to believe that this thought too comes from Hashem as a message to stimulate teshuva and self-improvement. In that respect, such an unwholesome thought serves a positive purpose. But, if a person attributes the thought to himself, he is liable to sink into a state of self-torment, saying, "What's the matter with me? Just as I thought I was ascending the spiritual ladder, I entertain such disgusting thoughts…", thereby falling into a state of negativity. Such is the evil inclination's ploy for destroying a person, for self-torment and negative emotions not only disarm a person but incapacitate him as well. Even worse, self-torment severs a person's connection to Hashem.
 
Another important aspect that contributes to a positive outlook is rejoicing in everything we do, especially every mitzvah. Sometimes we do things without vigor, thinking, "What's the big deal about saying a blessing before eating or by putting a coin in the charity box?" These seemingly tiny mitzvoth are really prodigious, making a profound impression in the spiritual realm of the upper worlds. Just imagine the rewards of putting on tefillin or lighting Shabbat candles! Just as the simple one rejoiced in his three-pointed shoe, we should rejoice in everything we do, particularly every mitzvah.
 
A lack of happiness is an indication of arrogance and heresy. So what if we think we can or should do better? In the meanwhile, we should be happy with whatever we have achieved, knowing that this is what Hashem wants.
 
When the simple spiritual awareness of Hashem's will overrides the complications of logic and egotism, a person can truly be happy. He can also rejoice in every small mitzva, every little good deed, and every coin that he drops in the charity box. The sweetness of simplicity is knowing that everything – past, present and future – is exactly according to Hashem's will. As such, there's no need to fret or worry, and certainly no need to torment oneself. Besides, it's Adar now and time to be especially happy.