How I’m Embracing the Contradictions of My Optimism

Happy World Optimist Day! Today is a celebration of hope, possibility, and the belief that even in uncertainty, good things can happen. But what does it truly mean to be an optimist? Is it blind faith in the best outcomes? Is it unwavering confidence that everything will work out? Or can optimism exist alongside doubt, worry, and even fear?

For me, optimism is a contradiction.

I dream big, sometimes impossibly big , but I also brace myself for disappointment. I hope for the best in others, yet I find comfort in solitude because past experiences have taught me that people aren’t always kind. I believe in healing and resilience, but my mind races with anxious thoughts about what could go wrong. I picture worst-case scenarios — not because I want them to happen, but because, oddly enough, laying them out makes them seem almost ridiculous and easier to handle. (It’s the same logic behind why so many of us listen to true crime podcasts.) And still, at the core of it all, hope drives me forward.

Hope shapes my decisions. It’s why I create, even if I do it from the safe distance of a computer screen. It’s why I put my work out into the world, longing for connection, even if I hesitate to let people in too close. It’s why, despite my anxieties, I keep moving toward new challenges.

Optimism, for me, isn’t about ignoring the hardships or pretending fear doesn’t exist. It’s about recognizing that even with all the uncertainty, there’s always a way forward. Some days, that means focusing on the love that surrounds me instead of the worries in my head. Other days, it’s finding small joys, like discovering a new way to grocery shop that lets me skip the stress but keep the fun of preparing that special meal.

This World Optimist Day, I’m choosing to celebrate my version of optimism: messy, complicated, and full of contradictions, but always, always reaching for something better.

What does optimism look like for you?

If that is a hard question to answer here are some resources to spark a bit of joy and hope. Trust me, as someone who walks the line between big dreams and anxious thoughts, I know that optimism isn’t always effortless. But I’ve also learned that small shifts can make a big difference.

So, in the spirit of optimism, I’ve put together some fun and simple ways to bring more hope into your life:

A Quick Optimism Boost:

Try this: The next time you’re stuck in worry, ask yourself, What’s the absolute worst thing that could happen? Now, take a step back and see if it sounds as dramatic as it felt in your head. Sometimes, a little perspective (and even humor) can help lighten the load!

Book to Inspire You:

The Book of Hope by Jane Goodall & Douglas Abrams — If anyone understands resilience and optimism in the face of hardship, it’s Jane Goodall. This book is a comforting and insightful look at why hope is essential, even when the world feels heavy.

How to Build an Airplane in Your Living Room by (yours truly) Jill Hoffman . A guide to living an unconventional life and my story of creativity, perseverance, and dreaming beyond limits. If you’ve ever felt stuck between ambition and self-doubt, this book is a reminder that sometimes, the impossible just needs a little imagination.

Podcast Pick:

The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos — Science-backed tips on how to cultivate joy and optimism, even when life gets messy. One of my favorites when I need a mindset reset!

Creative Challenge:

Write down one “tiny joy” each day for a week. It could be as simple as a good cup of coffee, a song that lifts your mood, or a stranger’s unexpected kindness. Optimism grows when we learn to notice the good.

A Fun, Low-Stress Treat:

Since grocery shopping can be an anxiety trap (hello, crowded aisles and judgmental PTA moms), I’ve been experimenting with online orders. It’s not quite the same as picking out the perfect tomato, but it does free up mental space for more joyful moments. Maybe this is your sign to try a little life hack that makes things easier for you, too!

Optimism doesn’t mean ignoring the hard stuff, it’s about choosing to believe in something better, even when things feel uncertain. However that looks for you, I hope today brings a little extra light into your life.

Let me know something you’re hopeful about right now? I’d love to hear from you!