“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
dear muse,
it's not lost on me that optimism is a privilege
a privilege we all deserve
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
let's believe in the possibility of a better moment, minute, hour...
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 this week's love letter...
*all photos are links to more information, the bookshop.org link is an affiliate link
our meditation or playlist
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!
start your day with energy, optimism, and awareness
from insight timer
our podcast or playlist
what gives you hope?
this week, we are channeling the curiosity and humor of yara shahidi's the optimist project
real change starts with the deliberate choice to look for the light
discover key insights from iconic voices on finding stillness, building sustainable purpose, and choosing authenticity over popularity
from actress and activist yara shahidi
our journal prompt
leo season is believed to be a season of manifestation
this is a blog teaches methods and practices to live more abundantly
luck isn't magic
here's to training your brain to spot the love and opportunities that were always there waiting for you
psa: it’s the perfect time to try the “lucky girl syndrome” manifestation method
from the everygirl
our book selection
daphne "dee dee" dupree is a charismatic, 41-year-old chicago radio dj who refuses to let past romantic catastrophes and personal insecurities keep her down
it is a soulful, uplifting story about a woman actively choosing to celebrate her present and rediscover love on her own terms
by april sinclair
finally, our film selection
lastly, a film about optimism that completely caught me off-guard…
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
marcel the shell with shoes on
starring jenny slate, dean fleischer camp, & isabella rossellini
your ritual
a self-love ritual for embracing optimism
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
optimism bath or shower ritual light you rest, peace, healing, or joy candle to soothe and refresh. wisualize washing away heavy thoughts and making space for brighter ones
create an optimism board create a small collage of colors, quotes, and images that spark joy. keep it somewhere visible. reflect on it often
in closing
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
with love,
tamara charese
as always, affirmations from previous weeks are available here
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