Description

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Ever smiled through a team meeting while mentally planning your escape to a remote cottage in Wales? Or replied “No worries!” to a Friday 5pm request while quietly Googling “how to become a llama farmer”?

This episode is not about pretending everything’s fine. It’s about real optimism - the kind that doesn’t require vision boards, scented candles, or toxic positivity. Just one honest check-in, one tiny shift, and one decision to climb above the line.

If you’ve ever felt flat, burnt out, or stuck smiling through the madness, this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways

• Optimism isn’t personality - it’s strategy.
• Burnout doesn't always look like collapse. Sometimes it looks like “fine.”
• Real resilience comes from reflection, not denial.
• Protecting your spark is leadership, not laziness.
• You don’t have to feel great to move - you just need to move with intention.

Sound Bites

• “Optimism doesn’t always wear sparkles. Sometimes it just says: let’s give it another go.”
• “You don’t have to collapse to justify recovery.”
• “Forced positivity is about as comforting as a soggy sandwich.”
• “You can’t reframe if you don’t reflect.”
• “Even the best jobs have parts you’d happily launch into the sun.”

RESOURCES

BOLD MOVES BRIEF

BIG CONVERSATION STARTER

FLAMEKEEPER PROMPT LIST: 20 bold reflection prompts to help you reconnect, reframe, and refuel (no toxic positivity required)

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Stuck, simmering, or onto something juicy? I want to hear it. Drop me a line at caroline@inspireyourgenius.com - I read them all.