Why I Choose Optimism, No Matter What

People often ask me why I am so positive, especially when the world feels heavy or chaotic. Recently, someone on my team asked in a 1:1, “Kree, why are you always so optimistic?” That moment made me reflect on a quote I once read, “Nobody knows enough yet to be pessimistic.” It resonated with me deeply because optimism doesn’t ignore reality; it acknowledges every struggle but still believes in the possibility of more, of better.

My optimism isn’t just a trait; it’s a legacy. It was passed down to me, shaped by someone who faced more adversity than I can fathom and yet radiated hope through it all. That person is my mother.

My mum grew up in a time when the odds were stacked brutally against her. Her father was absent, and her mother worked tirelessly as a factory worker, yet their home was often without electricity. I remember her sharing stories of studying by candlelight, determined to rise above her circumstances. While others sought work to ease financial burdens, my mum stayed on her path. She self-funded her education, becoming the first in her family to earn a degree, later dedicating her life to teaching. She spent her days inspiring young minds and eventually retired as a principal, but her journey went far beyond the walls of her school. She was a political activist fighting for racial equality in South Africa, a fierce advocate for abused women, and an unwavering servant to her community.

Then, a few years ago, the biggest test and greatest teacher of all arrived—Cancer. Not just any diagnosis, but stage 4 lymphoma, which threatened to rob us of her light far too soon. I saw my mum transform before my eyes: the vibrant, resilient woman I knew was suddenly fragile and ailing. Chemo took its toll, leaving her weak, but her spirit was steadfast. I’ll never forget her words in an article about her journey: “I do not find myself asking, ‘Why me?’ It helped me come back to my core and find out who I truly am.”

Even at her lowest, she chose to stay positive, to see the illness not as a curse but as an opportunity to reconnect with her essence. She turned to meditation, breathwork, and yoga, rediscovering strength through these quiet practices. At the age of 69, she completed a 200-hour yoga course, and today she teaches others how to embrace life’s challenges with grace and resilience. Her battle with cancer was grueling, but she emerged, as she always does, stronger.

What my mum taught me is that optimism isn’t blind; it’s a decision, a conscious choice to hold space for hope when the darkness closes in. Her words echo in my mind and was the source of my inspiration for this: “A negative mind will never create a positive outcome.” She taught me to believe that, no matter what, there’s always a reason to keep going. The days may be hard, but there is something to be grateful for, even if it’s as simple as the warmth of the sun or a deep, mindful breath.

Her journey taught me four invaluable pillars for a positive life: breathe deeply, honor your body, rest well, and give yourself time to reflect. She lives by these truths every day, and so do I. Her story reminds me that the smallest acts—like a single breath taken with intention—can be acts of courage. Optimism doesn’t deny hardship; it leans into it, looking for the resilience, wisdom, and gratitude waiting on the other side. Finally she taught me that the ultimate gift is that of being of genuine service to others.

So, when people ask why I’m so positive, I think of my mum. She showed me that, while life can be unrelenting, the choice to see beauty amid hardship is a powerful gift we give ourselves and those around us. I carry her lessons with me every day, choosing to live in a way that would make her proud, just as she has always made me. Life will happen and events will transpire, sometimes really tough experiences and we have no choice but what we do have choice in is how we respond to it!

Thank you, Mum, for showing me that light is always a choice.