The Power of Optimism for Well-Being 

Could our outlook be the key to overcoming life's challenges?

Last week, a friend mentioned how positive I always seem, and it got me thinking about how often I hear that feedback and how optimism has become a big part of my life. Over the years, I've noticed that staying positive has really helped me in so many ways—from getting chosen for exciting projects, to leading teams, creating vision statements for new ideas, and maintaining mental wellbeing, even with all the world impacts as we launch into 2025.

I've learned some clever emotional intelligence tricks that help me stay optimistic, kind of like a cheerleader rallying the team with pom-poms. Now, whenever negative thoughts creep in, I quickly flip them around to keep my outlook bright. As Simon Sinek wisely said, “Optimism is not the denial of reality but believing there’s a way through it.” I face challenges head-on but use my emotional intelligence to rise above them, find solutions, and stay positive—just like a cheerleader pumping everyone up to push forward. Even when the team is down, a cheerleader keeps everyone focused on future wins, reminding us that tough times are just temporary and better days are ahead.

Years ago, I experienced two instances where I was diagnosed with potentially life-threatening medical conditions. The first instance involved an infection that I contracted from a medical facility during a surgical procedure. Initially, I was informed that due to the infection, there was a possibility I might lose my right leg, where the infection had originated. Despite this alarming news, I initially felt confident in my ability to handle the situation. However, that confidence waned when infectious disease specialists informed me that I could not leave the hospital until they identified the type of infection and determined the appropriate treatment plan. Those days spent in the hospital during the holidays were isolating, filled with uncertainty as I grappled with various thoughts.

Eventually, a PICC line was placed, allowing me to administer antibiotics at home for nearly four months. While administering antibiotics daily seemed feasible, it proved to be far more challenging than anticipated. The infection complicated the healing process of my knee surgery, significantly limiting my mobility and hindering my physical therapy. Additionally, the infection adversely affected my overall health and wellness. Upon recovery, I weighed less than 100 pounds, relied on a cane due to a pronounced limp, and faced a transformed future.

This experience highlighted the importance of resilience and adaptability in adversity, but at the time I did not realize the level of courage I needed to face others and the optimism for continued wellbeing. I have rarely discussed these experiences because I felt I would receive pity and be looked at differently. Today, you wouldn't know I have limitations, as later I was able to get my knee repaired, with what I like to call my “bionic knee". So, I can play with my grandkids and go on a 5-mile mountain hike with ease. I now realize the personal cheerleading I developed, elevating my emotional intelligence skills, with a focus on optimism to keep me going each and every day. I continued to rely on these skills today and will share some of those clever EI tips to support our daily work, interactions, and positivity for increasing our bravery and resilience, in my workshop.

This whole ordeal really made me understand how important it is to be adaptable and resilient when life throws curveballs. Honestly, at the time, I didn't realize how much courage I'd need to face others and stay optimistic about my future health. I didn't share these experiences much because I worried people would pity me or see me differently. These days, you’d never guess I had any issues with my knee—thanks to my “bionic knee,” as I like to call it. I’m out there playing with my grandkids and tackling 5-mile mountain hikes like it's no big deal. OK, maybe there’s a bit of sweat, but it feels great to be alive and well.

Looking back, I realize how essential my personal cheerleading and emotional intelligence skills were, especially my focus on staying optimistic. In September 2024, Psychology Today published an article stating, “People who maintain a positive outlook enjoy better physical health, greater success in their careers, stronger social connections, and even longer lives.” Pretty amazing, right?

I've continued to use these skills daily and I'm excited to share some of my clever EI tips in my workshop. These tips can really help us stay positive and strong in our work and interactions, boosting our bravery and resilience. Please consider the "Empowered Bravery: Harnessing Courage and Optimism for Emotional Strength" workshop that offers women a chance to share stories and build resilience together.  Visit the SavvyDavi workshop registration and share it with women who can benefit from this experience.

P.S: Bring your pom poms to the workshop.