Before stepping on stage to give my keynote on Practical Optimism, I had a moment that caught me off guard — a wave of emotion tied to a day that holds deep meaning for me. It reminded me that optimism isn’t about denying loss or hardship; it’s about learning to carry gratitude alongside them. Grief and gratitude can coexist. We can ache for what we’ve lost, and still feel deeply grateful for what remains. It’s something I often speak and write about — but today, I was reminded how deeply true it is. And how grief and memories can hit you at the most inconvenient times. If you’ve read my book, you probably know why this reflection feels especially close to my heart. #grief #gratitute #loss #optimism #practicaloptimism