"I can't be a pessimist because I am alive. To be a pessimist means that you have agreed that human life is an academic matter. So, I am forced to be an optimist. I am forced to believe that we can survive, whatever we must survive."
James Baldwin
Dearest Muse,
It's not lost on me that optimism is a privilege. A privilege we all deserve. Resilience is a muscle that must be exercised.
Optimism isn’t about ignoring reality—it’s about believing in your ability to move through it.
It’s seeing the closed door and the possibility of a window.
It’s trusting that your story is still unfolding in beautiful ways.
It’s choosing to notice the small joys: the warmth of tea in your hands, the sound of laughter from another room, the morning light spilling across your pillow.
This week's affirmation is…
I Deserve Optimism
Je Mérite L’optimisme
You deserve to imagine the best-case scenario.
You deserve to believe that the good is not gone.
Here’s your weekly ritual for cultivating and holding hope.
Enjoy with week's newsletter!
*All photos are links to more information. The bookshop.org link is an affiliate link
We begin this week with a meditation...
START YOUR DAY WITH ENERGY, OPTIMISM, AND AWARENESS
In this meditation, you will be practicing an affirmation to start your day with energy, optimism, and awareness. By repeating this affirmation every morning you will make them stronger and over time they will become part of your daily life. The habit of being optimistic and raising awareness every day will help you live a more complete life.
This guided meditation works gently and effortlessly. Enjoy it!
Next, our toolkit…
STRATEGIES TO BECOME MORE OPTIMISTIC
Becoming more optimistic can help you see people, situations and tasks with a more positive outlook. People who are optimists can reduce their stress levels, improve their productivity and have more fulfilling experiences. In this article, we discuss what optimism is, why being optimistic matters and how to become more optimistic in 23 steps.
My personal favorites - Limit your consumption of the news; Give yourself positive feedback; Practice self-care; Create a new bedtime routine; Begin your day with positive expectations
I was introduced to this person thru his podcast and thought I'd share
HOW TO STAY OPTIMISTIC IN AN EVER-CHANGING WORLD
Simon is an unshakable optimist. He believes in a bright future and our ability to build it together.
Described as “a visionary thinker with a rare intellect,” Simon has devoted his professional life to help advance a vision of the world that does not yet exist; a world in which the vast majority of people wake up every single morning inspired, feel safe wherever they are and end the day fulfilled by the work that they do.
Next, our book recommendation…
by Jane Gilley
79-year-old Gloria Frensham is a hoarder. She lives amongst piles of magazines, cardboard boxes and endless knick-knacks that are stacked into every room of her home, and teeter in piles along the landing and up the stairs.
She hasn't left the house in years, but when a sudden smell of burning signifies real danger, she is forced to make a sudden departure and leave behind her beloved possessions.
Determined she's not ready for a care home, Gloria sets out to discover what life still has to offer her. It's time to navigate the outside world on her own, one step at a time, with just one very small suitcase in tow...
Heart-warming and poignant in equal measure, this is a story about the loneliness of life, the struggles of growing old, the power of kindness, and the bravery it takes to leave our comfort zones.
Lastly, a film about optimism that completely caught me off-guard…
MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON (2021)
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is a feature-length ‘mockumentory’ based on the YouTube series of the same name. Part stop animation and part live action, it follows the story of Marcel, a one inch tall shell, and his journey to find his community. Whimsical, imaginative and utterly charming, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is a heartwarming drama about finding your place.
YOUR OPTIMISM RITUAL
A SELF-LOVE RITUAL FOR EMBRACING LIGHT, HOPE, AND JOY
1. RESERVE TIME FOR REFLECTION
Take a few minutes this week and write 3 moments from each day that brought you joy or made you smile — no matter how small.
2. OPTIMISM BATH OR SHOWER RITUAL
Light you rest, peace, healing, or joy candle to soothe and refresh. Visualize washing away heavy thoughts and making space for brighter ones.
3. CREATE AN OPTIMISM BOARD
Create a small collage of colors, quotes, and images that spark joy. Keep it somewhere visible.
Hope is an act of courage.
Optimism is not weakness—it’s an inner strength that keeps you moving forward.
Keep believing in what’s possible.
May this week meet you with unexpected joys, gentle reassurance, and reasons to believe.
You'll be hearing more from me soon. Promise.
Tamara Charese
As always, affirmations from previous weeks are available here
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