Everything Works Out for My Good: Reckless Optimism and the Art of Trusting Tomorrow

Reckless optimism has always spoken to me. It is the belief that even in the most uncertain moments, things will find a way of working out for the best. For some, it can sound naive, almost impossible, but for me it is a philosophy that has carried me through life. I don't pretend that challenges don't exist. I simply choose to see them as detours rather than dead ends. Faith plays a role here too, not in the sense of expecting perfection, but in trusting that even setbacks have a purpose, that they are part of a bigger pattern I might not yet understand. 

Recently I read a substack writer who puts it beautifully: “ There's no other way for things to work out as per your choice”. It captures the heart of reckless optimism, once you choose to believe in good outcomes, you make space for them to unfold. This doesn't mean ignoring reality, but engaging with it differently, with a sense of openness that leaves room for better endings. 

Psychologists have studied this mindset extensively. Optimism is linked to resilience, better mental health and even longer life spans. Optimists are more likely to persist when faced with obstacles and are better at forming and maintaining strong social connections. There is also evidence that optimism changes how we process the future, making us more creative and better problem solving. Yet it is not without its limits. Too much optimism can tip into denial or toxic positivity, where we dismiss real struggles in favour of forced cheerfulness. I am mindful of that balance, but I find the benefits outweigh the risks.

This way of thinking shows up everywhere in my life. In fashion, for example, I don’t save my best clothes for an elusive “special occasion.” I wear them now because I trust there will always be more good moments ahead. In friendships, I lean into the belief that people are capable of showing up better, even after disappointments. In my work, I allow myself to try projects that scare me, because I’ve learned that what seems reckless at first often leads to growth I wouldn’t have found otherwise.

For me, reckless optimism isn't about ignoring pain or glossing over hardship. It is about approaching life with curiosity, with the willingness to believe that there is always more unfolding than what I can see. It allows me to carry hope without needing certainty. And when I look back, even the messiest seasons eventually shaped something worthwhile. That is why I keep choosing it, again and again. 

Written by Vanessa Twerefou