“I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.”
– Nelson Mandela
Welcome! I am a lawyer turned freelance writer, essayist, and editor. On staff at Literary Mama and the co-founder and co-editor of the literary journal, The Sunlight Press, my essays and reported work have appeared in The Washington Post, The Lily, Saveur, Civil Eats, Brain, Child, ESPN and elsewhere. I am currently at work on a memoir on grief and culture and how it provides perspective on life’s ordinary graces. I invite you to appreciate the ordinary with me. I hope my daily practice of seeing the magic in the mundane helps you celebrate and find more of these moments in your life too. Read More
Great quote!
We sometimes act as though optimism cannot coexist with pragmatism, and seeing difficult realities we must face. For me, the true optimist eschews denial, and takes steps to act – believing in the power of making a difference.
Wise words, indeed! (Thanking you, again, for the book recommendation (Learning to Breathe). It is changing my life!)
An appropriate quote for today! Nelson Mandela, a wise man, really lived by those words, and he changed lives. I’m sure he will be greatly missed.