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A Commentary by Victor Perton, "That Optimism Man," on Andrew Cannon’s RIPEN - Reflect, Inflect, Project, Emerge, and Nurture.
“We adults need to create safe, positive spaces for children to grow up in as they work on mastering their emotions – spaces where joy wins over fear and optimism wins over pessimism.”
I was intrigued as I opened the newsletter from Andrew Cannon and The Art and Science of Joy entitled “Purpose, Courage, Joy in Career Transition, EQ United and the Power of Volunteering.”
I was even more delighted as I read the heading “RIPEN – A Simple Manifestation Process for 2026.”
Andrew wrote, “At the start of this year, I shared a small manifestation framework on LinkedIn called RIPEN, inspired in part by my conversations with Victor Perton, leader of the Centre for Optimism. It’s a simple way to move from reflection into intention, optimism, change and action… RIPEN draws on the metaphor of transformation: like a butterfly forming inside a chrysalis before emerging into its next expression, or a peach growing from a tiny seed into something ripe and sweet.”
As you can imagine, I smiled with delight at the notion that I inspired Andrew. My engagement with Andrew since 2022 has inspired me to focus on experiencing joy every day. To take time to smell the roses, especially those in my garden, and to tend those roses with love.
And in my essay, “Joy and Optimism: The Optimists”, I shared my conclusion from collaborating with The Art and Science of Joy:
“An optimistic spirit experiences more joy. A joyful soul tends to be more optimistic.”
Andrew’s RIPEN stands for:
- Reflect – What brought you joy in 2025?
- Inflect – What intentions are you setting to harvest more joy in 2026?
- Project – What makes you optimistic for the year ahead?
- Emerge – How do you envisage yourself being different a year from now?
- Nurture – What actions will you take to bring this vision to life?
Andrew encourages us to reflect on and write down our answers to these five questions.
Andrew encourages us to go deeper with RIPENing, and offers us a ritual
- Close your eyes and imagine yourself as a chrysalis held in a peaceful, safe, warm cocoon. Gently Reflect on the moments of joy you felt in 2025.
- Inflect by setting your intentions for more joy in 2026, sensing your heart expand as you do so.
- Project your optimism: focus on what makes you hopeful for the year ahead. Smile and feel that energy flow from your heart through your whole body.
- Emerge inwardly by picturing your wings forming – focusing on the qualities, habits and relationships you want to grow in 2026.
- Nurture the vision: see your wings fully formed in majestic colours that bring you joy, and as you burst free of the cocoon, affirm to yourself the concrete actions you’ll take to bring a joy-filled 2026 to life.
Where Joy Flourishes and Optimism Leads
Andrew Cannon’s RIPEN reminds us that transformation is nurtured, like fruit ripening on the branch or a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. These metaphors are not just poetic; they reflect something profound about optimism itself.
I believe optimism is a strategy, a leadership advantage, and a way of life.
We call this The Optimism Principle:
“The answer to life’s most pressing questions is optimism.”
Optimism turns reflection into action, fear into courage, and despair into progress. It is the mindset that underpins bold leadership, meaningful innovation, and resilient transformation.
So, let us create spaces, in homes, schools, and communities, where joy wins over fear and optimism triumphs over pessimism. Let us cultivate the habits and environments where purpose, courage, and transformation take root.
A Shared Wish for 2026
Andrew concluded:
“My wish is that RIPEN helps you harvest more joy, deepen your sense of purpose, and move through 2026 with optimism and courage.”
That is my wish too.
May 2026 be the year you reflect, inflect, project, emerge, and nurture your vision with optimism as your compass and joy as your fuel.
Read More:
Joy and Optimism: The Optimists
Joyfully optimistic: Ros Ben-Moshe
Leading with Optimism: Megan Main on Calm Courage & Joyful Leadership
Optimism Fuels and Enhances Our Joyful Moments: Nóirín Mosley
Self-Improvement • Mental Health • 45 episodes
That Optimism Man Victor Perton
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