So Money with Farnoosh Torabi · Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Monica Packer distinguishes between happiness and optimism, stating that optimism is a belief about the future, while happiness is a present state of being rooted in authenticity. She shares her personal journey, including a diagnosis of clinical depression and multiple eating disorders, to emphasize that true happiness comes from feeling like oneself, even during difficult times.
“But a big part of what I've learned the last 10 years is that instead of me trying to embody this happiness in terms of I have it all together, I'm always bubbly and and and people can rely on me and I'm and I'm and I'm cheerful. Happiness is feeling like me. And that's more within my reach.”
“And for me, happiness is tied to authenticity and feeling like myself. And the more I can be myself, the happier I am. And that's not always cheerful. It's not always bubbly. It's not always easy. But it's it's mine. And it's it's authentic.”
“And the difference between happiness and optimism for me is that optimism is a belief about the future. Happiness is a state of being in the present, rooted in authenticity.”