I am letting myself be hopeful.

And it is not the last time I will.

For so long I have tempered my excitement over happiness and joy and all the good things that make life worth living. Prepare for the worst, then you will be happy with not quite the worst.

You have permission to be hopeful today. There are still more possibilities in the future than we can even imagine.

If you can, try not to despair. Trust me, I understand the inclination. I feel it all the time.

XO, Carissa