I am a pessimist. As easily as I am able to see the strengths in challenging kids, a long family history of depression and the “paralysis of analysis” has often stood in the way of seeing my own strengths or the possibilities of my own life. This despite the accolades of others, which I dismissed with thoughts that they “needed to get out more.” Yet, more recently, I have experienced changes that have astonished me. My mind is quieter. I more often “know what to do” when I feel lost. Amazing people are walking into my life and demanding to stay. And, most delightful, the world is absolutely filled with beauty, each day a new opportunity be truly alive. How is it that this has happened?