Guest Voice: The creative power of optimism
Healing isn't just physical; it's emotional and creative, too
Kevin Leurquin is from Green Bay, Wisconsin. He enjoys spotlighting positivity through his food truck, Captain Quesadilla, and speaking publicly about “tapping into your inner awesome.” Kevin is passionate about helping others and being adventurous. He stays active by working out, golfing, trail running, and walking his dog, Summit. His mantra is “find a way,” and he channels the great values instilled in him by his parents. Kevin finds strength in overcoming challenges, including living with hemophilia A, and inspiring others to persevere and never give up.
Creativity and optimism share a special bond. Both can be powerful tools for problem-solving, especially when it comes to healing from an injury or overcoming a challenge. Staying optimistic — seeing the potential for a positive outcome — can boost mental well-being and strengthen resilience. And when you combine that outlook with creativity, something incredible happens.
Let’s start with a question: Have you ever come up with a fun idea or solution and felt genuinely excited about it? That spark, that little rush of energy, is where optimism meets creativity.
Creativity is all about imagining new possibilities. It’s thinking outside the box, taking risks, and seeing things from a new angle. But here’s the thing: You can’t imagine something new if you don’t believe a better outcome is possible. That’s where optimism comes in.
Optimism gives creativity fuel. It says, “What if this works?” or “Let’s try it anyway!” Even when the odds feel stacked against us, optimism encourages us to keep dreaming, keep building, and keep finding our way forward.
And that includes healing, whether it’s from a physical injury, a mental health struggle, or a setback in life. Optimism helps us picture a future where we feel stronger. Creativity helps us map the path to get there.
Kevin Leurquin and his dog, Summit, explore a trail at Baird Creek in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Courtesy of Kevin Leurquin)
As someone who lives with hemophilia, I’ve had my share of obstacles. My right ankle became a target joint early on, and over time, repeated bleeds led to severe arthritis. The pain, the limitations, the frustration — it all added up. But I discovered something important: When I tapped into my creativity, I found purpose and joy even during tough times.
Instead of focusing only on what I couldn’t do, I leaned into what I could do. I explored writing, painting, and even found ways to modify workouts to keep getting stronger with every rep. These weren’t just distractions — they were acts of hope. They reminded me that I still had control, that I could still express myself, and that healing wasn’t just physical — it was emotional and creative, too.
You don’t have to be an artist to be creative. Creativity shows up in so many ways: problem-solving during an infusion, finding a new way to advocate for yourself, or adapting your daily routine to fit your needs. Every time you imagine a better way, you’re creating. Every time you believe that better days are ahead, you’re practicing optimism.
So whether you’re sketching, building, healing, or simply dreaming, remember this: Creativity grows stronger when it’s rooted in hope. And optimism becomes more powerful when you give your imagination room to thrive.
In the bleeding disorders community, we face unique challenges. But with creativity and optimism, we also hold powerful tools for navigating them — and for shaping a life filled with purpose, possibility, and resilience.
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Note: Hemophilia News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Hemophilia News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to hemophilia.
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