Celebrating Optimism in a Corona World

March is Optimism Month!

The great news is, that if you are reading this, you are ALIVE. Congratulations.

I feel like “cautious optimism” needs a big comeback moment. Can we be cautious and optimistic at the same time? I hope so.

Today, keeping “safe at home”, I made some simple clay from flour, water, salt and vegetable oil. I’ve never made clay before. I am used to it looking grayish, in perfectly formed blocks, wrapped in glossy plastic, straight from a box. Mine was more like a cookie dough, sans the eggs and sugar.

As I worked with the clay, I remembered that I get to shape some things. I may not be used to what I am working with, but I can still shape it towards what I intend. I can create hearts and smiley faces, or I can create something less pleasant. We are all creators, even if what we’re working with is, at times, less than ideal.

What can we create, optimistically, at this time? Maybe it’s only a new perspective, but that is something. Maybe it’s a smile?

Here’s the recipe for the dough.

Stay well. Stay safe. Stay optimistic AND stay home.