The Three Pillars of Emotional Well-Being

Michael Bare • November 21, 2025
Smiling person opening curtains, looking at a bright outdoor view.

Life is full of ups and downs, and our emotions often ride the waves with us. Some days we feel light and hopeful, while other days can feel heavy and overwhelming. Because emotions are such a central part of being human, I’ve developed a simple framework to help navigate them with more clarity and resilience. It rests on three pillars: Emotional Optimism, Emotional Bravery, and Emotional Efficiency.


I use the word emotional intentionally. We are emotional beings, and while we can’t always control what we feel, we can choose how we respond. This framework is about moving through emotions productively, rather than getting stuck in them.


Emotional Optimism

This is the ability to see possibility even when life feels hard. Optimism doesn’t mean ignoring pain or pretending everything is fine. It means remembering that tomorrow can be better, because you’ve already survived every hard day you’ve faced so far. For example, after a difficult conversation with a loved one, it’s easy to spiral into self-doubt. But optimism reminds you that feelings are temporary, and you have the power to shift your inner dialogue. No one else can rewrite your negative self-talk—only you can.


Emotional Bravery

Optimism is the mindset, but bravery is the action. It’s about taking a step forward instead of sitting still in discomfort. Maybe you had a fight with a friend and feel hurt. Emotional bravery is reaching out the next day to say, “Yesterday was tough for me. Can we talk about it again when you’re ready?” Bravery doesn’t erase fear or sadness—it simply means you act anyway.


Emotional Efficiency

The third pillar is about speed and momentum. The more you practice optimism and bravery, the faster you can move through emotional turbulence. Think about the last time you faced disappointment—maybe missing out on an opportunity or experiencing rejection. The first time, it might have taken days to recover. But with practice, you learn your own triggers, and you can bounce back in hours instead of days. Efficiency doesn’t mean rushing your feelings; it means not letting them hold you hostage.

At its core, this framework is about movement. Emotions are real, powerful, and deeply human—but they don’t have to define us. By practicing optimism, bravery, and efficiency, we can keep moving forward, even when life feels heavy.


Michael Bare, ISHC

Board Treasurer 

Chief Executive Officer

Bare International

 


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