“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul – “ Emily Dickinson. Hope is the defining characteristic of the optimist – they believe that “if not this time then next time” and this belief keeps the optimist going when everyone else gives up. Optimism comes with so many benefits from better health to better relationships and even better job performance that we all need to cultivate it. We can learn to become optimists and live a more hopeful life.