--- title: "Refreshed Optimism from Norwich: Julian’s Message of Optimism" description: A visit to Norwich reawakens Julian of Norwich’s message of optimism, inspiring modern leadership and resilience through “All shall be well.” image: https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Julian%20of%20Norwich.jpeg --- ###### [Check out Our latest insights on Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog) [![Centre for Optimism_Logo](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Centre%20for%20Optimism_Logo.svg)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com?hsLang=en) - [Home](https://www.centreforoptimism.com) - [Subscribe](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/subscribe) - [Why Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/whyoptimism) - [What is Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/whatisoptimism) - [The Optimism Principle](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/theoptimismprinciple) - [Need Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/services-and-workshops) - [The Optimism Workshop](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/workshop) - [Victor Perton - That Optimism Man](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/victorperton) - [Magnetic Optimism for Organisations](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/magnetic-optimism-workshops) ![Close Icon (3)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Close%20Icon%20(3).svg) ![Search (2)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Search%20(2).svg) ###### [Spirituality and Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/spirituality-and-optimism) , ###### [Julian of Norwich](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/julian-of-norwich) # Refreshed Optimism from Norwich: Julian’s Message of Optimism **Refreshed Optimism from Norwich Julian’s Message for an Optimistic Future** *By Victor Perton, Founder, The Centre for Optimism*     I am writing this reflection from the train, leaving Norwich and heading to London, my heart full and spirit lifted by a visit that was more than historical, it was profoundly optimistic. In my speeches and workshops, when defining optimism, I often turn to the luminous words of Julian of Norwich: **“All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.”** To stand in the very cell where Julian received her visions amid plague, upheaval, and personal suffering was to encounter the birthplace of a radical optimism that echoes into our world today. Her declaration is courage. It is clarity. It is defiant optimism. Julian of Norwich, born in the 14th century, was a mystic, theologian, and anchorite whose writings continue to inspire across centuries. Her book *Revelations of Divine Love* is considered the first book in English known to be written by a woman. It is a profound meditation on divine love and optimistic perseverance in the face of suffering. Her influence ripples through literature, poetry, and music, with many poets, composers, and seekers drawing strength from her radiant view of the world. As Pope Benedict XVI reflected: *“It was precisely in the solitude infused with God that Julian of Norwich wrote her Revelations of Divine Love. Two versions have come down to us, one that is shorter, probably the older, and one that is longer. This book contains a message of optimism based on the certainty of being loved by God and of being protected by his Providence.”* Sister Anna Maria Reynolds, in *Julian of Norwich Woman of Hope*, affirms this central theme: *“Most students of the Revelations are struck by Julian's optimism. This is not surprising since optimism is a quality that pervades her writings.”* Her work stands as a testament to a spirit that sees light in darkness and possibility in adversity. Not everyone connects with Julian’s story or English mysticism and that is perfectly fine. What matters is the spirit of her message. At The Centre for Optimism, we honour optimism in all its forms from neuroscience to spirituality, from business innovation to cultural resilience. Our website is a living library of optimistic voices across science, history, faith, and ideology. Julian’s gift to us is the realisation that optimism is not born in ease. It is forged in challenge. She teaches us to trust the transformative power of love, to see that optimism is not about escaping difficulty rather journeying through it with vision and trust. Norwich itself added to the inspiration. The city’s cobblestone streets, medieval charm, and resilient heart mirror Julian’s message. St Julian’s Church, destroyed in the Norwich Blitz of 1942 and lovingly rebuilt by 1953, stands beside the reconstructed anchorite’s cell a tangible symbol of “All shall be well.” I was welcomed by the community of the Parish and stayed in the guesthouse at St Julian's Church, the All Hallows Guesthouse.  From evening prayers with Church Warden Shirley, to morning prayers and High Mass with Father Richard Stanton to warm conversations with so many people including Jordan and my fellow guests at All Hallows, I felt so much joy and optimism. I left that quiet stone space not only moved, I was re-energised. Julian's timeless, tested, and authentic optimism aligns perfectly with our mission to spread infectious optimism that transforms lives and leadership. This journey has deepened my resolve.  Optimism belongs to no single faith, nation or tradition.  It is a mindset, a strategy, a way of life.  It is magnetic.  It is global.  And it is needed now more than ever. **What makes you optimistic today?** **[![Worth Reading: "All Shall be Well"](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/21889975/ee80e95a-ff42-4068-b72b-88cb9b217277.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/21889975/ee80e95a-ff42-4068-b72b-88cb9b217277)**   [Written by Victor Perton](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/author/victor-perton) ##### Keep up to date with the latest from Centre for Optimism ##### We appreciate any contribution you can make to help us spread optimism with the world [![Give Today](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/21889975/daed54ec-1173-4b99-9390-e69152e87436.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/21889975/daed54ec-1173-4b99-9390-e69152e87436) #### Here are some similar articles ###### [Spirituality and Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/spirituality-and-optimism) , ###### [Freedom](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/freedom) , ###### [Kindness](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/kindness) , ###### [Podcast](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/podcast) #### [Kindness, Optimism and Freedom with Leon Logothetis](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/leonlogothetisonfreedom?hsLang=en) [Read Article](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/leonlogothetisonfreedom?hsLang=en) ###### [Spirituality and Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/spirituality-and-optimism) , ###### [Fiji](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/fiji) #### [Neeraj Chadha's Cause for Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/neeraj?hsLang=en) [Read Article](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/neeraj?hsLang=en) ## Connect With Us ##### We love to connect with everyone who is ready to open up and share their optimisim. - [![Facebook 2](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Center%20of%20Optimism%20Assets/Facebook%202.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/optimistsvoices/) - [![instagram (6)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/instagram%20(6).svg)](https://www.instagram.com/centreforoptimism/?hl=en) - [![linked in 2](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/linked%20in%202.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centreforoptimism/) - [![youtube (3)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/youtube%20(3).svg)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFd4GnToz3WLasQSfsz_z8w) - [![twitter](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/twitter.svg)](https://twitter.com/Centre4Optimism) #### Keep up to date with the latest from The Centre for Optimism ##### Contact Us Call Us: [+61 417 217 241](tel:+61%20417%20217%20241) (Australia) PO Box 5081, Garden City, Victoria 3207, Australia ##### [The Centre for Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com?hsLang=en) - [Why Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/whyoptimism) - [What is Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/whatisoptimism) - Why be Optimistic? 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