Why I am on a Mission to Spread Optimism (and Why I Want You to Join me)
My Tokyo Childhood Konnichiwa Quest
Have you ever taken a chance on an emotional gamble, hoping for a jackpot of happiness? As a child, I certainly did. When I was just a little girl in Tokyo, my favourite pastime was heading to the nearby bus stop and enthusiastically greeting everyone getting off the bus with a cheerful “Konnichiwa!”
As a child I used to play an emotional gamble at the bus stop
“It was empowering to know that I had the power to brighten someone’s day even as a 5-year-old girl.”
It was a bit like rolling the dice because there was always the possibility of being ignored or brushed away. But when someone responded with a warm smile and a “Konnichiwa!” in return, it filled my heart with pure happiness — a dopamine hit much more thrilling than playing on the phone like today’s kids do.
‘Tokyo Crossing’ by MAMIMU
It was empowering to know that I had the power to brighten someone’s day even as a 5-year-old girl. This feeling stuck with me, and now my mission as a visual artist is to spread optimism. The only difference is that I swapped speaking to random strangers with bold colours and shapes.
‘Rising Tide’ by MAMIMU in Collaboration with Stitzlein Studio
Optimism is a strategy
So what exactly is optimism, and why do I think it’s essential for humanity? One of my heroes Noam Chomsky once said, “Optimism is a strategy for making a better future. Because unless you believe that the future can be better, you are unlikely to step up and take responsibility for making it so.”
Noam Chomsky: Philosopher, linguist, and optimist
“Optimism is a strategy for making a better future. ”
In essence, optimism is a belief system that strives to make the world a better place. Contrary to a common misconception, it’s not just a fleeting, happy-go-lucky spirit; I think it’s more of a grit — a resilient and determined mindset that can guide us through adversity and help us plan for the future.
Barbican Geometrics by MAMIMU at Cult Vision London
Make the world a better place by taking care of yourself first
I am a firm believer that to make the world a better place, we need to start from our own wellbeing. Why? In Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, the first and second tiers are physiological needs and basic safety. It’s essential to ensure you have enough sleep, stay hydrated, and maintain good mental health before considering the betterment of the world.
Put our physical and mental health first, then we can think about the world.
That’s why I implore you to prioritise your wellbeing. Only when you are content in your mind and body, can you develop the vision and resilience needed to tackle larger challenges.
Placemaking Art for the Margate School by MAMIMU
This is the reason why I’m on a mission to spread optimism. The world would be a better place if we collectively felt more optimistic. And that starts with individuals’ well-being.
So, never feel guilty about securing your own oxygen mask first in order to help others.
Can we collaborate?
I’m June aka MAMIMU, an artist / educator on a mission to spread optimism. If you share the same vision and want to make the world a better place through public art, product collaboration, workshops, or anything else, let's talk.
Together, we can amplify our impact and create a brighter future for all.