Everyday Optimism

In today's episode, Summer shares a more personal story about her mother's diagnosis of, and 8-year fight with, breast cancer. Last Friday at a doctor's appointment, Summer was incredibly inspired by the doctor's optimism and positivity regarding her mother's cancer. Cancer...fucking sucks. It just does. Trying to cope with the fear of losing a loved one is extremely difficult and there is not a one-size-fits-all. What works for one person may not work for another and optimism may not be the answer for some people. Everyone is different when it comes to figuring out how to handle fear, grief, and the idea of death. Summer uses optimism as her coping mechanism as well as to create a healthy perspective of life and death that works for her. Being optimistic does not mean you aren't dealing with your fear or grief; nor does it mean you are living in a false reality. Optimism has allowed Summer to focus on, and ENJOY, the present moment and the time she does have with her mother. After all, any of us could die

In this episode Summer begins by finishing the story of the rumpl blanket and the homeless woman. Again, be sure to check out www.rumpl.com and support amazing companies that believe in doing good and spreading good in this world. She then talks a little more about optimism, the importance of gratitude, and shares a BEAUTIFUL story of an act of kindness (and being a FREAKING AWESOME HUMAN). Here are a couple other companies that help the world socially or environmentally that I love supporting: 1. Cotopaxi - Gear for Good. https://www.cotopaxi.com "We create innovative outdoor products and experiences that fund sustainable poverty alleviation, move people to do good, and inspire adventure. Cotopaxi funds solutions that address the most persistent needs of those living in extreme poverty" 2. United by Blue. https://unitedbyblue.com "For every product sold, United By Blue removes one pound of trash from our world's oceans and waterways. And by that, we don’t mean writing checks or accepting donations. Our ple

In this episode (the very first episode!!)Summer begins by going a little bit into "why optimism" before telling the story that really motivated her to start this podcast in the first place. Be sure to check out www.rumpl.com and support amazing companies that believe in doing good and spreading good in this world. Link to "the photograph" discussed in podcast. Trigger warning: this image is incredibly upsetting but important to see as this is many people's reality around the world. http://100photos.time.com/photos/kevin-carter-starving-child-vulture Send me YOUR stories!! I want to hear and share your stories of times you've employed optimism to better difficult situations or beautiful moments in your everyday, things that made you smile or your journey to becoming more optimistic!! Email: ordinaryoptimist@gmail.com Instagram: @ordinaryoptimist