Attention

Zebrafish are tiny but mighty swimmers, often found in many habitats, ranging from tropical freshwater to domestic aquariums. Adept at orienting themselves by focusing on moving visual stimuli, they are however at times disengaged and pay attention to something other than the current, or their fellow fish.

As for these aquatic vertebrates, attention is a powerful motivator in our human life. We pay attention to something or someone because we recognize it (or them) as meaningful to us. When we choose to tend to it (or them), we literally – if we follow its etymology – move closer to it (or them) and amplify its (or their) relevance in our lives.

At times, like for zebrafish, challenging life circumstances may lead us astray.

Optimism shows us how it is possible to flourish even when the unwelcome is in front of us. How it is in our power to remember our strength when events seem to conspire to weaken us. And how we can choose well-being, always.