Motivation Monday: Be an Optimist

Happy Monday, y'all! How was everyone's weekends? Mine was full of schoolwork and watching Friends on Netflix. And cooking...I made my own dinner Saturday night. I'm getting better at cooking! 
Today I want to talk about something my friends and I have had several conversations about lately: optimism and outlook. It's a small thing that can make a world of difference. With the right mindset, there's really nothing you can't accomplish. Once you start seeing the opportunities for good or growth in a situation, that's half the battle, and everything gets a little easier. 

One night in my freshman year of college, I was feeling pretty down. I was still adjusting to my spring semester classes, my group of friends was shifting, and I was a tiny bit lonely because I still wasn't sure who I could call my close friends. I was in need of some inspiration, so I Googled "quotes about being happy." This Winston Churchill quote was one of the first results. I immediately wrote it down on a sticky note and taped it on my bookshelf.
Winston Churchill was a brilliant man and always had some great wisdom to share. I love this quote in particular because it's so true. Even though some situations may seem loaded with difficulties and hardships, and you might feel like you'll never make it out alive, there's always an opportunity or benefit or good experience hidden somewhere in there. If you start your day thinking, "Ugh, today is going to suck, there's just no doubt," then your day probably will suck! Starting your day with a more positive outlook makes all the difference. I actually shared this quote with my boyfriend Kevin a couple weeks ago, after he'd had a hard day at work. I still have that same sticky note on my bulletin board at home!
How do you remind yourself to be optimistic and see the opportunities instead of the difficulties?