I loved working at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. I still can't believe I landed that job. I went from helping run a program for homeless students through the Washtenaw County school systems to writing grants in the arts world. I wanted to work in fundraising and I had enjoyed my opportunities to write grants in my last couple of jobs. So, I was lucky enough to interview with someone that believed in me - thank you Ann. I learned so much in my time with the DSO. One of the best parts was sneaking over to the concert hall during the day and watching the orchestra practice. I saw a lot of concerts in my time there and I loved it all. Although this was a change from my work in social services, it was good for my soul at 31 years old and the experience was invaluable. I worked with the best people and never minded the commute to downtown Detroit. Looking back, that commute is just an average day in Atlanta!
As I write this blog, I am watching my three-week old niece sleep. Is there anything more peaceful than a sleeping baby? Her world is so new, so full of hope and big dreams. I want her to always feel that is true. I sure do.
I am an optimist. Although I have been challenged in almost every way to lose hope, become cynical, stop believing, I still stand as an optimist. I still believe in the good in people and community. I don't believe that all politicians have poor intentions and it is still possible to be inspired. I continue to pray and hope for world peace. I call it optimism while some may just say I am naive. Either way, I think having individuals like me in the world is important and I refuse to let go of what feels natural to me.
I have felt my optimism challenged a lot lately, especially over the past month. Although I am hopeful, it doesn't mean I am not scared. The news over the last several weeks is so concerning. From Ferguson to the Middle East to Russia to increasing terrorist threats, an optimist can start to wonder, is there still room for hope? Are we naive to think that things can get better? Can we save our environment? Can we feel safe to send our kids to school again? Will our leaders ever learn to work together for the betterment of our communities and people? Can't we all just get along????
The world we live in today is a hard place for an optimist to stay an optimist. I am really struggling with what the world will look like for Megan and, hopefully, one day my grandchildren. I think we all share these concerns. But I am holding onto my hope as best I can. Some days are better than others, but I have faith that the good guys will win in the end.
I think I come from a family of optimists in many ways. My parents have always been optimistic people, which I'm sure is where I get it from. My dad's mantra to me through all my health challenges was to "not let the son of a bitches keep you down." He wanted me to get mad about it so the fire in my belly would rage strong and I would never give up. My parents always knew everything would eventually be ok, no matter what my brothers and I were going through. Although my dad is an attorney and my mom was an early childhood educator, they are both advocates at heart. They both have worked hard on the state and local level for better programs to educate children or build better communities. You have to be an optimist to work for change for over 40 years. There have been times they grew tired of the fight, but they never gave up. They always believed change was possible. My dad still feels that way and continues to make a difference for his family and profession.
Optimists do want to make a difference because they believe they can make one. As I think about returning to work in the next year or so, I am trying to figure out how I can make a difference for someone or something. I am so optimistic about Megan's future and the great impact she will make on the world. I do hope she will be an optimist too, that no matter what happens, she believes that things will be ok. This doesn't mean I'm not realistic. I feel like I can be both. For example, I realize my marathon will be a monumental task, but I'm optimistic I can finish it!
I'm not trying to be annoying with positivity. Really. I just refuse to let go of my optimistic nature. I think my faith in God plays a role here as my worries for our world are bigger than me. I pray that things will improve for our nation and those around the world. I feel there is a greater plan for our world that brings peace and goodness. But my fears and worries will not win, whether I am concerned about all those affected by the Middle East crisis or a friend battling cancer. I am proud to be the optimist in the room and always enjoy company.
I will now go back to snuggling with my niece and dreaming of all the possibilities for her, for me, and for all of you.
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