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A Season of Love and Optimism
A commentary by Victor Perton, That Optimism Man
"You, my love, are in the season of wonder, of optimism, of play."
I do love that sentence in Jocelyn Lovelle's letter to Love.
Jocelyn says, "The energy that needs our fuel right now is the energy of Optimism. Of play. Of childlike discovery and wonder."
Jocelyn is right!
We live in a world that often asks us to be serious, practical, and relentlessly focused on productivity. What if we paused to embrace a different energy? What if, instead of rushing to check off our to-do lists, we leaned into playfulness, curiosity, love, and optimism?
What if optimism wasn't just a passing thought, rather the very fuel that powered our days?
The Power of Love
Love and optimism are deeply interconnected, each amplifying the other to enrich our lives. When we choose love, we cultivate optimism; when we embrace optimism, we strengthen our capacity to love. Morni Chen from The Future of Power highlights this connection: "We have a choice between fear and love. Optimism is an expression of love, a higher energy and so it is more powerful than fear." This perspective reminds us that optimism allows us to navigate challenges lovingly.
Vitaly Geyman reinforces this idea, stating, "Optimism is what makes me believe that deep inside, most of us know that love trumps fear." This understanding suggests that embracing love leads naturally to an optimistic outlook."
Sneha Ayyagari, a Schneider Sustainable Energy Fellow, emphasises that optimism provides both strength and peace. It helps us see challenges as opportunities for growth and guides us toward a life led with love.
Professor Vijay Varadharajan emphasises that "the cornerstone of my optimism comes from the power of love and will that make ordinary people do extraordinary things."
Judy Rodgers, President of Images & Voices of Hope, told me that human nature is rooted in love, peace, and joy. While we may drift from this essence at times, optimism and truth call us back, reinforcing the deep connection between love and a hopeful outlook.
These perspectives illustrate that love serves as a foundation for optimism, guiding us through challenges and inspiring us to see the world through a hopeful and compassionate lens.
The Power of Wonder
Just as love fuels optimism, wonder sustains it. Cultivating a sense of wonder nurtures an openness to joy, possibility, and discovery. Wonder invites us to see the world through fresh eyes, reinforcing our optimism and deepening our appreciation for life.
Wonder is the spark that keeps us curious and engaged with life. It's the feeling of looking up at the stars and realising how vast and beautiful the universe is. It's the delight of discovering something new, of seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary. Wonder is what keeps our spirits light and our hearts open to possibility.
When we cultivate wonder, we step out of autopilot and into awareness. We begin to notice the small joys - a child's laughter, the scent of fresh rain, the kindness of a stranger. In noticing, we create space for gratitude, which in turn deepens our optimism.
The Power of Optimism
Just as wonder invites us to see the world with fresh eyes, optimism gives us the courage to believe in a brighter future. When we cultivate a sense of wonder, we naturally open ourselves to optimism—the belief that good things will happen and that things will work out in the end.
Optimism is more than just hoping for the best - it's an expectation that good things will happen and a belief that challenges can be overcome.
Research shows optimism fuels innovation, resilience, and even economic growth. At a personal level, it strengthens relationships, improves mental and physical health, and allows us to move forward with courage.
The Optimism Principle states, "The answer to life's most pressing questions is optimism." It emphasises that optimism is not just a mindset but a powerful tool for transformation, leadership, and innovation.
• 54 min
The Optimism Principle
That Optimism Man Victor Perton
Play
Similarly, The Optimism Effect, as studied by the University of Sydney, highlights the role of optimism in driving productivity and innovation. This research proves that optimism, particularly economic optimism, enhances national and organisational success by fostering investment in research, development, and creative solutions.
"The Optimism Effect" and Dr Danielle Kent's Learned Optimism
That Optimism Man Victor Perton
Play
When we choose optimism, we permit ourselves to believe in better days ahead. We reframe difficulties as temporary and solvable. We inspire those around us with a contagious belief in possibility. We equip ourselves with the mindset needed to navigate life's uncertainties with grace and resilience.
The Power of Play
Optimism naturally leads to play, just as wonder fosters curiosity. When we believe in a brighter future, we permit ourselves to embrace joy, experiment without fear, and find delight in the present moment.
Play isn't just for children. It's a source of creativity, connection, and renewal. Whether dancing in the kitchen, painting without a plan, or laughing until our stomachs hurt, play reminds us that life is meant to be enjoyed.
In many ways, optimism and play go hand in hand. A playful spirit makes us more adaptable and willing to take risks. It encourages us to experiment, fail, and try again. It nurtures relationships and brings people together. Play creates joy, and joy sustains optimism.
The Energy that needs our Attention right now is Optimism
I repeat what Jocelyn said: "The energy that needs our fuel right now is the energy of optimism, of play, of childlike discovery and wonder."
World leaders are starting to understand the significance of optimism on a global scale. Optimism is not just a personal practice but a driving force for collective progress.
"Declining optimism" is the first of The Key Findings of the World Economic Forum Global Risks Report 2025
I have been warning about this for ten years and am glad the message is getting through.
In October, the Commonwealth Heads of Government recognised the issue's importance in their Heads of Government Communique, in which they committed to "restoring hope and optimism in our common future."
From Global Optimism to Personal Practice
Recognising the importance of optimism on a global scale is only the beginning. True transformation happens when we bring this energy into our daily lives. By integrating simple, intentional habits, we can cultivate optimism and happiness in ways that ripple outwards, influencing not just ourselves but those around us.
My Four Favourite Practices for Cultivating Happiness and Optimism
Smile More: A simple smile can change the atmosphere in any room. Smiling not only lifts your own mood but also has a contagious effect on those around you. https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/realsmile
Positive Greetings: Instead of the usual "How are you?" ask"What's been the best thing in your day?" This slight shift can transform conversations into uplifting moments of connection.
My Best Self: Regularly visualising and working towards the best version of yourself helps align your thoughts and actions with optimism and happiness. The practice takes half an hour and includes writing a diary entry for a perfect day in your life five years hence. https://www.centreforoptimism.com/your-best-possible-self
My Optimism Superpower: Try This Exercise: Pick an optimism as your superpower. Write about that superpower and how it is reflected in your life, work, relationships, and spirit. Some of the options are Natural optimism, resilient optimism, purposeful optimism, realistic optimism, cautious optimism, relentless optimism, infectious optimism, professional optimism, sunny optimism, abundant optimism, worried optimism, sparkling optimism, serene optimism, bold optimism, stubborn optimism, radical optimism, magnetic optimism, audacious optimism, or climate optimism. https://www.centreforoptimism.com/superpowers
Living in the Season of Wonder, Optimism, and Play
What if we wholeheartedly embraced this season of wonder, optimism, and play? What if we let go of some of the weight we carry and allowed ourselves to move through life more easily and delightfully? What if we approached each day as an opportunity to discover, create, and connect?
Every season invites us to wake up each morning with curiosity, meet challenges with resilience, and seek joy.
We have the power to fuel our days with optimism and our hearts with play. As The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr Alfred Adewale Martins, wisely reminds us, "Let us start each day with prayerful optimism."
Jocelyn is right; optimism is the energy that needs our attention right now. The world thrives when we embrace these qualities with intention and purpose.
Will you join me in stepping into this season with open arms?
How will you embrace this season of wonder, optimism, and play?
What has been the most joyful or playful moment in your day?
Read More:
Living with Wonder – Becoming like a Child
Sometimes, Because I Am an Adult, I Sit on the Counter
• 61 min
Optimism Is Love: The Leadership Wisdom of Paula Fenwick
That Optimism Man Victor Perton
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