The Centre for Optimism

05/08/2026

“I’m an optimist by nature. I really love people, I love life, I love adventure, change, and learning. . . . I think we all have to wake up in the morning and decide that we’re going to love our day, even if we’re not feeling the moment."

Nice reflection by Leigh Swinimer!

SEAFORTH - Whether it would be filling up the tank or washing the car, it's a trip Seaforth locals make daily without a second thought.

28/07/2026

🌱 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐦: 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞

AFSA recently had the privilege of learning from Victor Perton, founder of the 𝑪𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑶𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒎. His session was a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining hope, resilience, and purpose — especially when working towards meaningful change.

Advocating for animals in research is not always easy. Progress can be slow, the challenges are significant, and we are working within a system that is complex and deeply established. At times, it can be easy to feel discouraged.

The concept of “quiet optimism” resonated strongly with our team: that optimism is not about ignoring challenges or assuming change will happen quickly. It is about continuing to believe that progress is possible, recognising the steps forward, and finding the motivation to keep contributing to positive change.

With that said, we are feeling much more optimistic about the future for animals in laboratories in Australia and are ready to tackle another 6 months of advocacy with renewed spirit, perspective and courage. 💪

Thank you, Victor, for recognising AFSA’s work and reminding us that meaningful change is built through persistence, compassion, and collective effort.

Read Victor’s blog on AFSA and quiet optimism:
https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/quiet-optimism

28/07/2026

What is Pathological Optimism?

What is pathological optimism? Victor Perton explores persistent optimism grounded in reality, human goodness, redemption and purposeful action.

12/06/2026

100 Days of Peace 2026 starts today. Our Victor Perton has contributed one of the meditations.

One hundred days. One hundred voices. One shared moment of stillness each evening, free, simple, and open to all.

A national contemplative initiative — 100 days of daily collective silent meditation with contemplative contributions from community leaders. June 13 to September 21, 2026. Free, simple and open to all.

10/06/2026

The 2020s call for optimistic leadership. The times call for leaders who are realistic and infectiously optimistic: people who can face facts, build trust, lift energy, and help others take the next wise step. Optimistic leadership is not a performance. It is not a pep talk. It is the practical discipline of helping people believe that good things can happen, difficulties can be faced, and their own actions matter.

The 2020s call for Optimistic Leaders who build trust, lift energy and lead people out of the fog of pessimism.

04/06/2026

"Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Wale, jointly affirmed the strong and enduring partnership between Australia and Solomon Islands and reiterated optimism for transformational and deepening engagement that will lift the relationship to another level."

That is formal diplomatic language, and it matters.

Transformation requires more than processes, agreements, and communiqués. It needs infectious optimism, so people can believe that change is possible, worthwhile and shared.

Optimistic leaders see the difficulty clearly, use optimism as fuel, and act with others to build better outcomes. In Australia’s Pacific relationships, that means respect, patience, humility, practical help and confidence in a shared future. Optimists act. That is the test.

Read More: https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/optimism-in-australias-pacific-diplomacy

20/05/2026

Chardi Kala in Sikhism is a beautiful expression of optimism.

It is the ever-rising spirit of faith, courage, service and Sarbat Da Bhala, the welfare of all.

I love this idea because it reminds us that optimism is something we practise. It is found in the words we choose, the kindness we offer, the service we give, and the way we help lift the spirits of others.

In times of trouble and uncertainty, the world needs more infectiously optimistic leaders: people who lift spirits, roll up their sleeves, and turn concern into practical help.

What lifts your spirit?

And when your spirit rises, who else is lifted with you?

Chardi Kala in Sikhism shows how Sikhs practise optimism through faith, courage and service in times of adversity.

06/04/2026

Optimism is realism. The optimist sees the world as it is, recognises that progress is possible, and acts to make things better. Optimism is the disciplined conviction that better outcomes are possible and that we can help build them.

Read More:

This book will help you

04/04/2026

"Optimism fuels the future. It is not only a feeling or a hope. It is the energy that drives invention, progress, and courageous action across every generation. The future is imagined by optimists, and built by optimists with the courage to begin," wrote Victor Perton

This book will help you