I don’t know if my optimism is inherent or something I’ve developed through daily choices. I’ve always felt happy, even during tough moments in life. There’s always been something that made it worth trying to smile.
In hard times, I tend to look around and appreciate what I still have. A walk in nature is enough to quiet my deepest pains. The sunset has always been a healer for me, the same goes for watching water flow through a river, listening to beautiful music, or thinking about my loved ones and the possibilities ahead.
Yet I still wonder: is this optimism part of my soul, or a choice I made long ago? I had a good childhood, though I faced abandonment, rejection, violence and frustration. Yet somehow, I was always okay the next day. I always found ways to enjoy life, and even my moments alone felt exciting... I could finally have a deep conversation with myself.
Maybe I’m just blessed. Maybe everyone starts this way, but life turns some people cold. Haven’t I faced enough difficulties to become cold too? Or was I strong enough not to crumble? Were my friends, family, and the fictional characters I admired in childhood my foundation?
I don’t think I’ll ever lose this optimism. I might be called naive until the day I die, but I’m happy this way. I know I can rise from any blow with a smile on my face. There are things worth living for, and I won’t let bad experiences steer me off course. I accept them with courage, curiosity, and excitement, they are reminders that I am capable of bearing any pain to experience the beauty of life.