> How do you keep optimistic about your future?

Well, I am learning stuff about myself and other people, and that helps. I feel I am learning things that many people probably do not know. I like it.

> have you made major changes in your life that you'd share?

Not major changes that most people would see from the outside, I think. Maybe I am preparing myself to make changes just in case the opportunity should arise. Since I do seem to be making progress (sometimes!) I am less anxious about the relatively impoverished emotional state that I have, than in the past. Some of the time I really feel much more grown up than before, and I like that too!