Welcome back to a journey within. As we step into a new year of discovery, we are honored to continue Mahen’s Alphabet of Emotional Intelligence. First launched last January, this series remains a vital part of Mahen’s enduring legacy, exploring the inner landscapes that shape how we experience the world. Join us as we continue our trek through the alphabet, uncovering the emotional tools that continue to enrich our travels and our lives.
Positive thinking is a constant attention to the details that make up an average day. These are such simple lines here, but they’re so difficult to follow and put into practice.
O – Optimism: Embracing a positive outlook on life.
In a world where uncertainty often looms and challenges frequently arise, one powerful trait stands out as a sign of resilience and hope: Optimism is the unwavering belief that good things will happen, even in the face of adversity. It is the lens through which we can choose to see the world, focusing on the silver linings rather than the clouds.
What is Optimism? Optimism is more than just a sunny disposition or a cheerful outlook; it’s a mindset that actively seeks the best possible outcomes. This perspective encourages us to focus on potential and possibilities, rather than dwelling on difficulties and obstacles. An optimist sees opportunities in challenges and believes that setbacks are temporary and manageable.
The positive outlook associated with the word Optimism. It helps reduce the risk of depression and anxiety by fostering resilience and a sense of control over one’s life. People with an Optimistic mindset are often more successful in their personal and professional lives. They are more likely to set ambitious goals and persevere through challenges. Their positive attitude attracts opportunities and fosters better relationships with others. Optimists are generally more pleasant to be around. Their positive outlook can also inspire and uplift those around them, creating an encouraging environment.
Let’s consider the story of Thomas Edison, one of history’s greatest inventors. When asked about his numerous failed attempts to create the electric light bulb, Edison famously replied, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” His Optimism and perseverance led to one of the most significant inventions of the modern era. Similarly, in our everyday lives, we can connect the power of Optimism to overcome obstacles, achieve our goals, and inspire those around us. Whether it’s tackling a challenging project at work, or pursuing a long-held dream, a positive outlook can make all the difference. Optimism involves believing that good things will happen.Though it can be hard to remain positive in the face of obstacles, remember that Optimism is a skill we can learn.
In essence Optimism is a choice—a conscious decision to see the world in a positive light and to believe in the potential for good. By embracing Optimism, we can enhance our health, improve our mental well-being, and increase our chances of success. Moreover, our positive outlook can have a ripple effect, uplifting those around us and creating a more hopeful and resilient community. So, let’s choose Optimism and watch as our lives transform for the better.
“Optimism doesn’t mean that you are blind to the reality of the situation. It means that you remain motivated to seek a solution to whatever problems arise.” —The Dalai Lama
Stay tune for letter P
I often think about the conversations I had with my father when I was a child and my first holiday home from university, much like my son was this year. He didn’t speak shop talk, though that would always come up with he and my mother. Actually, he spoke to me about responsibility and the type of person I wanted to become. He taught me that trust is not a line item, it is the currency of our souls. Though I paraphrase his exact words, I heard the message loud and clear. Fast forward almost five decades, and I can still hear his voice saying those words.
As we pass through the threshold of 2026, there is always optimism for what lies ahead, even with all the uncertainties and fear that surround us. I’m also reminded of words shared by someone I admire, who once said on stage, “As we look ahead, let’s not forget to look back and see where we came from.”
Last year wasn’t just another year in our five-decade history; it was a year where the abstract became concrete. In August, we fulfilled a quiet promise I made to my father back in 2015. Big Five Tours & Expeditions officially became a Certified B Corporation™.
We placed every aspect of our operations, our supply chains, our governance, our environmental footprint, under a microscope. We did this not for the accolade, but to prove that a family-owned company can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the highest global benchmarks of ethical business. It was our way of embodying a phrase handed down from my grandfather to my father, something that is at the forefront of our foundation.
“We come into this world with nothing, and we take nothing with us when we leave. What matters is what we do in between. It is not what we take up, but what we give out that makes us rich.” – Lavji Kalyanji Sanghrajka
But we didn’t stop at certification. We needed to measure the unmeasurable. For years, our industry has counted visitors only as a main metric. In late 2025, we changed the metric. We released our global study after almost a year of exhaustive research showing how many jobs are supported by each booking to our destinations, broken down by hotel, transport, land services, and most importantly, community-based employment. You can read more about that in our 2025 Impact Report.
By the way, on average, 35 jobs were supported by each booking. Think about that… 35 livelihoods supported, 35 families impacted, simply because a traveler chose to explore with purpose. This is the intersection where luxury meets human connection. We also expanded our family, joining forces with new partners to bring the spirit of South America to the next generation of travelers in India, proving that the desire for meaningful, conscious exploration knows no borders.
However, that is not what gives me hope for 2026 and beyond. It’s Mahen’s alphabet of Emotional Intelligence, something we started at the beginning of 2025, showcasing inspirational words my father worked on until his passing. When we found and started releasing his alphabet, I had no idea the kind of impact it would have on you and me. I would get countless emails from many of you letting me know how that week’s letter helped you in some way. So rather than rush the release to complete the alphabet, we are going to continue in the same cadence, releasing his letters one by one, each narrated by his voice, in his words. Stay tuned for the letter O. It means as much to me that you enjoy these letters, as it means to you receiving them.
2026, like any year, will have its ups and downs, its joys, and its trials. No matter what you are feeling that day, joy or uncertainty, call me, email me, or message me. Let’s do it together.
Here is to a great 2026, filled with success and personal growth beyond your dreams.
