In times of trouble, how do we manufacture hope and optimism? If there were no nuance, would we have despair? How would we know the difference between normal and not normal? Happy vs sad? How would we know the pleasures without the pain?
How would we know a good chocolate ice cream if we only had vanilla?
If room for hope is carved by the hole that is our troubles, shouldn’t we be mindful (dare to say, grateful) for both?
Optimism is the belief in the interconnectedness of these things – hope and despair, happy and sad. For in moments of trouble, knowing that we create room for more joy and more space for hope – how can we not feel optimism as a result? Things can get better!
Worrying about the future? Believe in the possibility of all things being possible. Understand that you can hold hope and optimism and recognize that things might not be normal. Things will change – they always do.
Don’t forget how good that chocolate ice cream was when you run out. Time to go get some more!
Fortunately for us – hope and optimism are available in an unlimited supply.
Pick some up. You’ll be glad you did.