The Optimist Creed was written by Christian D. Larson in 1912. In 1922, Optimist International adopted the Optimist Creed as a statement of self-responsibility to make our world a better place to live. It has been adopted by other causes, but none other are as far-reaching as the Optimist Club's ability to do good things in local communities around the world. Every Optimist Club meeting begins or ends by its members reciting the Creed together as they share its promises with one another. Shared promises become more than a dream, they become a responsibility and in time, a reality.
Many individuals choose particular lines from the Optimist Creed as their favorite. As for me, I like them all and depending on the day, one may have more meaning. Today, for instance, I'm finding motivation in, "Press on to the greater achievements of the future."
You see, the summer is almost over and as children return to school, the fall begins with a zest for new beginnings. At work, the summer lull is blossoming into a full schedule of autumn events, events that will nurture the participants. I will take care to share the tenet, "To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others," as I coordinate professional development activities for my employer and as I work with my Optimist Club and District, I will give special attention to, "Make all your friends feel that there is something in them."
There's something in the Optimist Creed for everybody. Read it. Enjoy it. Share it. Most of all, live it. Live the Optimist Creed.
