Message from Governor Timothy johnson 2025-2026

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Mission Ready

We are standing at the Dawn of a new Optimist Year. I want to commend each and every one of you for remaining a part of your local Club, and thereby a member of the North Carolina East District of Optimist International. 

The new Optimist Year ushers in a new team of servant leaders, ready to work hard, on your behalf, to continue the legacy of our District. We have - YOU have - made a significant impact in the lives of youth in your communities. From tee-ball to fishing, from football to volleyball, from cleaning the roadways to feeding the needy… you are impacting lives in our District of North Carolina!

I couldn’t be more proud to step into the role for which you have elected me! 

I follow in the footsteps of giants, frankly! Angela, Sandy, Austin, Terry, Ray, Pamela… so many others… I look over the years and just see greatness.  And, there is greatness to come. But, we have much to do. The world is in crisis right now. Make no mistake. 

I believe in my heart that we find ourselves at a turning point in American history. Our world, and our Nation specifically, needs Optimism now more than ever before. And guess what? WE possess it. We hold the key to a brighter future. Its essence is found in our Creed!  A positive outlook heals a broken spirit and soothes a broken mind! The words of the last line of our Creed - “[Promise yourself] To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble” - are the solution of what ails the country in this day. 

Worry. People are worried about the economy and their rights and their voices … 

Anger. Injustice abounds. And people are angry about it. This side is against that side. Us versus them …
 

Fear. We’re collectively afraid of what may happen or what may not happen. We see murder and crime and even assassination. We see and read about hate rearing its ugly head in every conceivable venue. …

Therefore, we acknowledge the presence of trouble…

Yet… Optimism is the view of a brighter future and it begins within ourselves. Optimism is the answer to each of the stressors that threaten to plague our wellbeing. Right living, just and honorable treatment of “every living creature we meet,” the “wearing [of] a cheerful countenance at all times,” investing love into one another - “to talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet,” regardless of race, political ideology, age, social status… Refusing to criticize others…

Being enthusiastic and supportive of others, just as much as you are of your own successes…

“To look at the sunny side of EVERYTHING and make your Optimism come true…”

These words are the Battle Cry of our Day! And, I stand, Mission Ready, to advance the principle 

of Optimism up and down the North Carolina East District. 

It matters to me. Yes, this “organization” that you have called me to lead matters to me, but the underlying precept of OPTIMISM is the guiding principle that must be embraced and advanced!

So please, let’s “Forget the mistakes of past (real or perceived), and [let’s] press on to the greater achievements of the future!”

2025-26… Here We Come!

Timothy Johnson