Optimism and hope are themselves positive feelings associated with expectations of emotional pleasure. The person has sufficient psychic energy to deal with the present and has enough psychic energy left over to look toward the future. Looking toward the future while experiencing fulfillment and pleasure and expecting more of the same produces hope and optimism. This is emotionally pleasurable, and the cycle continues. The physiological state is termed anabolic, or pleasure-seeking, and optimal physical health occurs in this state.
Life consists of anabolic and catabolic processes.
Cells are constantly dying in order to keep us alive. For example, if the stomach lining did not die and replace itself over and over, hydrochloric acid from the stomach juices would dissolve a hole in the stomach, and the person would soon die. Thus, cell renewal is an ongoing and necessary process. Stomach cells live for an average of five days. Skin replaces itself every 30 days.