We recently connected with Christin Eve Cato and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Christin Eve , thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
Staying optimistic in today’s political and social climate is not an easy task when chaos is amidst, and the people who hold power are constantly attacking our humanitarian rights. In just the last few years, the entire global community has endured massive sickness, death, civil injustice, high inflation, extreme poverty, terrorism, war, the abusive dismantling of peaceful protests, and natural disasters of all kinds. It sometimes feels as if the world has grown cold and desensitized, tormenting us by dangling hope on a string we’re never meant to catch. It’s like swimming in the ocean, and just a few feet away from you is the shore where optimism is sunbathing, but the current is so strong that no matter how hard you try to swim back to land, you end up treading in the same place. For others, it may feel like the current pulls them deeper into the ocean, forcing them to float into oblivion. If this is you, I hope that you find solace in the fact that you are not alone in this endeavor. Millions of people from all over the world are feeling the same way- bleak. And if you’re like me, a working artist in the entertainment industry, optimism is often tested by mountains of rejection, impenetrable nepotism, capitalistic greed, unfair wages, and dwindling opportunities.
But alas! Not all hope is lost. Trust that your struggle to see the brighter side of things is a normal reaction and a reflection of your perfectly imperfect humanity. If some or all of this resonates with you, I invite you to take your focal lens out of landscape mode and zoom in closely on what you have actual control of in your life. Narrow your focus on the beautiful things surrounding you, and you will witness that miracles still happen (even if they’re small), and goodness always manages to prevail in the simplest ways. Don’t overlook the sweet little things in life, allow them to bring you joy because that’s where optimism flourishes the most. Optimism requires bravery despite the odds. Darwin missed a few factors in his theory of evolution: survival of the fittest is not just a determination of strength and physical capability, but a testimony of will, emotional intelligence, wit, and the belief that you have what it takes to outlive whatever tries to destroy you. Therefore, resist the urge to flee. You must fight to keep your optimism alive because it’s necessary for survival.
I’m personally very optimistic, I consider it one of my best traits. If you’re a follower of astrology, you may look at my birth chart and see all my Sagittarius placements (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Saturn, and Uranus!) and attribute my unwavering optimism to my zodiac profile. Although there can be some astrological truth behind it, I would argue that it’s a bit more complex than that. My optimism comes from a source of energy inside of me that I consistently nurture and tend to daily. This nurturing manifests as self-care, self-awareness, and faith in a boundless, energetic power that aligns with the laws of quantum physics and the never-ending Universe. When faced with adversity or fear, I rely on my optimism to support me. Remember- optimism is bravery. It’s not for the faint of heart, it requires a steady amount of certainty and belief in yourself, in what’s inherently good, and in what you claim is intended for you. I exercise my optimism and work it out like muscle by meditating daily, repeating positive affirmations, and staying aware of my deprecating critical self-talk (nipping it in the bud when it becomes too loud). My optimism is highly accessible when I’m in a clear mental space and in control of my emotions. Sometimes I achieve this task on my own, and sometimes the work calls for a therapist or trusted friend to help me unpack and talk through any barriers I might be having. The best moments of optimism emerge when I am well-prepared for the task I seek to slay. As the saying goes, “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity”…and the concept of luck, in this case, also applies to optimism.
Like many, I become more of an optimist when I am happy. But when the external world is characterized by pain, it becomes more of a challenge to feel joy (plaguing all of us empaths!). When I feel the empath plague creeping up, I redirect my focus to my internal world, the one I operate from daily, and make all the decisions that affect my life. When we are mindful of our private worlds, we have more control over our emotions and overall well-being. Therefore, I take my inner joy and happiness very seriously- setting boundaries on what obstructs my peace of mind. These boundaries include negative relationships, oppressive spaces, and temptations that cause self-destructing behavior. I understand that setting boundaries is scary for many people because it demands work that compels us to dig deep into the vast mysteriousness of our subconscious. It’s a huge undertaking to work through trauma, childhood conditioning, or coping mechanisms that we feel bound to because they have kept us in survival mode for so long…But remember: optimism requires bravery. We must be courageously faithful in the work that liberates us from the pessimistic bondages that imprison our true happiness.
Quantum physics and the law of attraction teach us that everything in the universe is made up of energy whose properties can be influenced by human consciousness and emotion. Optimism operates on this energetic level and acts as a conduit that attracts the positive results we believe are in our grasp. Ever heard the saying, “We attract what we put out”? This is why I am mindful of my optimism, I make sure it comes from a truthful and responsible headspace. I try my best not to operate from sheer, blind, optimism to avoid the illusions of grandeur that come along with it. It’s like trying to manifest something into your life by repeating it ten times a day or putting it on a vision board, but not taking the necessary steps to call it into your life. How can you claim to own something you don’t have in your life yet if you’re not even working towards it? It’s like setting yourself up for failure, or worse, driving yourself into a state of madness. Utilizing optimism as a blind form of logic can lead to dangerous outcomes. Imagine a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed inexperienced hiker attempting to climb Mount Everest, claiming that they can overcome the freezing temperatures, hungry wild animals, and treacherous terrains, on the basis that they were able to hike to the top of Runyon Canyon in Los Angeles… it would be absurd and downright delusional! Granted, humans have done extraordinary things throughout history and have succeeded in circumstances where evidence proved its impossibility. It was once deemed impossible for humans to fly- until it wasn’t (thanks to Leonardo da Vinci, The Wright brothers, Alberto Santos-Durmont, Gustave Whitehead, and all the nameless early pioneers of flight science). We love to see the underdog flourish, or the anti-hero make good on a selfless decision- but like in any good story, the lessons learned during the trials and tribulations strengthen the optimism required to help the character see through their journey.
I temper my optimism with caution and natural doses of reality because too much of a good thing can also be harmful. Unlike Icarus, flying too close to the sun, I’m fully aware that the sun’s energy keeps our planet alive, but that excessive sun exposure can be deadly- causing skin cancers, heatstrokes, and drought.
Just like the changing tides, optimism can ebb and flow. When I’m doubtful, I go back to basics- meditation, positive affirmations, and practicing gratitude and mindfulness. When my faith in myself needs a boost, I reflect on all I have been through, endured, and survived, and remind myself that, “YES, I did that!”. I have what it takes to tackle the next challenge. My overall optimism comes from a deep place of knowing that as long as I am doing what I need to do, I will always be okay and the law of the universe will have my back. We can enrich our lives by the choices we make. Every waking moment of your life is another chance to choose optimism over fear, gratitude over dissatisfaction, and love over hate.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am an Afro-Latina playwright, performing artist, poet, lyricist, songwriter, educator, and dramaturg. I was born and raised in The Bronx. My Puerto Rican and Jamaican heritage is deeply rooted in my artistic expression. My aesthetic is made up of the world that has nurtured me: the roaring city, the aroma of arroz con guandules and jerk chicken, the fabrics of family drama, the silenced cries of neighborhood tragedies, the vibrant colors of adolescent curiosity, the soft ballads of first-love, and the resilient terrains of poverty. I write political, philosophical, and character-driven plays; my work constantly explores the Black and Latino Diaspora, human flaws and desires, the role of matriarchy, and the nature of our existence.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Persistence: keep your eyes on the prize, your arrow pointed toward the sky, and prioritize your work as you rise
2. Collaboration: be someone people like to work with, create harmonious spaces, do your part, practice fairness, know when to compromise, and lead with grace
3. Communication: truth and transparency are highly respected and should be expected, hold space for yourself when you need to say something and hold space for others as well, become a good listener, ask your questions, address ambiguity, and it’s okay to admit when you’re wrong and to stand your ground when you’re in the right
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents were not perfect during my upbringing. They made a lot of mistakes. However, the most significant thing they did for me was to believe in my dreams and give me the freedom to be myself and make my own choices. I learned to be independent from an early age and was encouraged to follow my heart (and gut!).
Contact Info:
- Website: www.christinevecato.com
- Instagram: @itschristinevecato
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christin.e.cato
- Other: Follow me on social media for the latest updates on my plays, productions, writing seminars, and other theatre opportunities!
Image Credits
Peter Bellamy Michael Palma Mir
