In times of despair, be an optimist
It’s November 5, the US Presidential Election results just came out. They are not what I hoped for. I’m sad, disappointed, angry. I read messages and reactions online, I reflect on all the tough news we continuously have to face, and I feel there is seriously little to be hopeful for. But then, I stumble upon a post from Wayne Visser, sharing his poem “Be An Optimist”. I soak it in, word by word, and I feel uplifted. A strong reminder that we can’t give in to despair. If we want change, whether in our lives, communities, work, or the world, we have to focus on the good. Because this is the energy that fuels action, keeps us going, and drives the positive change many of us are striving for. Given how it lifted me, I’d like to share it with you, hoping it brings the same spark of optimism and motivation it brought me. This isn’t the time to give up, but to double down. So, here it goes:
Be An Optimist
Be an optimist
Not because the future is bright
But because bright people are working
To make the future better
Be an optimist
Not because the news is good
But because good people are showing
That change is always possible
Be an optimist
Not because the world is fair
But because fair people are fighting
For justice wherever it is needed
When ordinary people do extraordinary things
Let your heart beat a little faster
Knowing that you are ordinary too
When inspiring leaders rise to our biggest challenges
Let your sights be set a little higher
Knowing that you too can inspire
When young voices join in the call to action
Let your efforts go a little further
Knowing that you can always do more
Be an optimist
Not because the night is over
But because we all carry the light of values
And remember the promise of dawn
Be an optimist
Not because victory is certain
But because we have the opportunity
To still make a positive difference
Be an optimist
Not because the earth is a haven
But because we have a growing desire
To be guardians for all life
When the clouds of gloom are gathering
Let your knowledge of the sun and skies above
Be a vision that brings perspective
When the drums of war are beating
Let your refusal to cast others as villains
Be a declaration of our common humanity
When the tides of bigotry are rising
Let your belief that we all have equal worth
Be a boat that will never capsize
Be an optimist
Not because you ignore the facts
But because the wider landscape of facts
Tell a story of remarkable progress
Be an optimist
Not because the glass is half full
But because we always have the chance
To tap a greater source of power
Be an optimist
Not because you are blind and deaf and dumb
But because you see and hear and speak
More clearly what is possible
Wayne Visser © 2019
Source: Visser, Wayne. “Be An Optimist.”
