Our team is mostly comprised of optimists and we are often asked where all this optimism comes from and often these questions have led to enlightening conversations and so we decided to ask others in our community where they feel their optimism comes from?
Freddie Polk
My optimism comes from the LOVE of Creativity. I get excited when I see or think of something new and interesting. When someone gives a compliment or loves what I created. I keep striving for the best of whatever I do. Of course, there is nothing perfect in an imperfect world. I have learned that if you keep going, stay focused and keep doing what you love, keeping that passion for your creativity. Eventually you will reach the high point of your dreams. It does not matter what others think or say, it is your dream your passion. Stay focused. Read More>>
Viki Stark
Optimism for me is a method to keep going each day. It takes work but I actively choose to appreciate that every single day is a gift- of course sometimes things get to ya, and there’s nothing wrong with a beautiful wallow every once in awhile. I think that is where art comes in for me. I can choose to take the monotony, pain, heaviness of a day and channel it into something I can see. Read More>>
Shannel Wheeler
Being a creative: I have expertise in graphic design and branding, but I’m really just a creative person. I like to make all kinds of things and have been like that since childhood. I think about the paintings, drawings, sculptures, weird recipes, crocheted scarves, and other random creations I made as a child. Then, as I think about all the opportunities I’ve had to create meaningful work for others over the course of my career, I remember my power to create. I have the ability to create new thoughts, experiences, products, and creations. As a creator, I have the ability to create whatever I want—and that always keeps me optimistic. Read More>>
Andrew Pruett
My optimism is rooted in several pillars: a deep understanding of history, unwavering faith in God, the values instilled in me by my parents, the guidance of my public-school educators, and lessons from my life’s journey. I have faith in the divine, trust in the rigor of scientific inquiry, and a firm belief in the inherent goodness of most individuals. Read More>>
Hardy Stewart
The world feels like a bleak place to live sometimes. Politically, environmentally, and socially there is so much fear baked into what seems like everyday life. It’s easy to get discouraged, and I would be lying if I didn’t say I do get discouraged sometimes. But whenever I get discouraged, it’s often not long before I can see the emergence of hope, kindness, and light. Without a doubt, my optimism comes from the beautiful people that I have encountered in my life. I was living in Minneapolis during the murder of George Floyd. Like the murder of so many innocent black lives prior to this event, it was hard to come to grips with. Read More>>
Jamira Kendricks
I can remember as a child always having BIG dreams. I have always said to myself that I wanted people to remember something about me when I leave this world. I began to think this way after learning about different historical figures in school. Most of the significant figures that we would learn about all seemed to have major struggles and obstacles to overcome. That gave me hope! I felt that if I encountered obstacles then I would press my way through them in order to accomplish something great! That is where the seed of optimism was planted. Read More>>
Brett Barney
My optimism comes from going through life experiences that may seem difficult or painful at the time. After finding my way through a challenge, then accepting the change and getting to the other side of the struggle, I have learned that I always seem to “fall forward” into a situation that is better and more amazing than anything I could have foreseen. After enough of these awesome landings, I have come to look forward to the fresh start that results from these speed bumps in life, and focus less on the difficulty. Read More>>
Lucia Herlinda
Optimism is a key factor to our growth and life enjoyment. I believe optimism comes from the heart and mindset that if you channel positive energy and thought into your actions, then positive results will ensue. Optimism and inspiration work together to create a magical synergy. Read More>>
Adriana Cardona
I have always considered myself an optimist and as long as I remember my sense of optimism has its roots in the environment created by my parents. As the youngest of four in an immigrant family, my parents and siblings instilled the importance of believing in yourself and trusting in our ability to achieve great things. Growing up we encouraged each other, even when facing unfavorable odds. A memory that stands out is being in high school and being unsure how to make friends. That is when I decided I would try out for a school sport I had never played before. Read More>>
Dr. Greg Shaw
As a child, I was raised to always see the brighter side of every situation….no matter what. As I’ve grown, I’ve carried that mentality with my to see every cup as half full and every situation as an opportunity. Instead of using the phrase ‘ I have to ‘ I replace it with ‘ I get to’ with a spirit of gratitude and thankfulness for each day. Read More>>
Missy and Alixx
Our optimism hands down comes from the support we get each day! I think our optimism started before we even opened our doors to our studio. Alixx and I had this great idea, we had each other, but I think the thing that stands out the most is the support we had from our friends, family, and local Atlanta community. Here we are in 2015, long before boutique boxing studios were popping up everywhere- and so many people trusted our vision and jumped in to support our small business dream any way they could. Our optimism also came through really strong during the pandemic when we had to close our doors for 3 months. Read More>>
Valeria Zunzun
Despite challenges and falls, something I love about myself is that I always manage to find the strength to get up again and fight for my own sake. I’m not saying I’ve been falling with a smile or that sad episodes of my life haven’t marked me forever… but somehow, I always get up and fight for the next goal, the next chapter. Believing it’s possible all over again. I come from a line of strong women who didn’t get it all easy… but kept fighting for that sunshine, for that laugh, for that sunny Sunday. Read More>>
Meire Fernandes
I consider myself a very optimistic person, and I always try to wake up with that spirit, not letting anything bring me down. My optimism coming from my hope to impact the world each and every day. Read More>>
Rachelle Mapes
When I was around 18, I read a book “Excuse me your life is waiting” By Lynn Grabhorn. That was my first introduction to the power of positivity. I focused a lot on that, then over the years focused on my character. I wanted to be someone who what kind hearted, genuine, and uplifting others. I read various books, articles, and listened to podcasts to develop a character I was proud to be. No one is perfect, but I have learned that even on the hard days, there is always something better waiting. If I have a hard time finding something optimistic then I practice gratitude, there is always something to be grateful of, even just the air we are breathing. That changes my focus on how truly blessed I am, then the optimism follows. Read More>>
Saturne Tchabong
My relationship with God and my ancestors has kept me grounded and confident beyond all understanding. With every closed door I encountered I became more confident that God was simply protecting me. My optimism comes from relying solely on faith, not what I can see or even understand. Read More>>
Katelyn Fisher
My optimism comes from within! I have always valued how much a positive mindset can change your day and point of view. It’s definitely not easy to always have an optimistic outlook!! Something I have found helpful to realistically stay optimistic is taking time to reflect. I reflect by journaling, listening to music, practicing my SFX makeup. Read More>>
Louie E.
My optimism in storytelling is grounded in the idea of solidarity. I like the notion of storytelling as a communal activity, a group event that takes (lots of) people to come together to share and communicate. You have different audience members, you have different storytellers, you have diverse participants across that spectrum who participate while bringing those differences to the table to be together and hopefully help each other thrive. Whether it be theatre or film, at the stage of writing, producing, creating sets/costumes, or performing, I’ve seen folks that come together to help each other out. Read More>>
Savannah Stephens
My optimism comes from an awareness that where attention goes, energy flows. I believe it is law that whatever one waters will grow. When I give my thoughts to whatever is “wrong,” when I worry, I’m really saying a prayer to what I’m afraid of. It takes up all the room and uses up all my energy. Instead, I try to think positively most of the time. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a robot with an automatic happiness switch. I give myself a time, but not too long to wallow. I may spend a day throwing myself the biggest pity party in the world. Read More>>
Amanda Woomer
I used to be a deeply pessimistic person (or, as I called it, a “realist”). But enough bad things have happened in my life to transform me into an optimist. This may not make any sense, but once you have experienced enough lows, you come to also realize that they are temporary, impermanent, and that they will end and be followed by highs. The cycle will continue. Knowing this deeply has made me an optimist in life. Read More>>
Jamie Millam
I have struggled with mental illness for over 20 years but luckily along the way, especially in the last few years I have acquired some pretty helpful tools to help change that mindset. I try to be really aware of when my thoughts turn negative, and when they do flip the script on them towards something positive. It’s trying to always have the mindset that most things can be turned around. Also through my love of movement and becoming a Yoga teacher I’ve learned that breathwork, meditation and movement can really help to move the negative energy out of the body and create an overall peace. Finding that clarity and peace really helps to keep things positive. Read More>>
Lauren Williams
I look at each day like it could be my last. Why would I want to go out all grumpy and down? I also consider myself beyond blessed (and not in a cliche way) but that I am truly very fortunate to live the life I live. Why would I squander that by being negative? I am a firm believer you get back what you put out to the world. My positive personality has carried me so far and helped me to be very resilient when I get knocked down or fail. I fail just about every day so having this attitude has served me very well for 43 years. Read More>>
Petar Arsić
Since the early stages in life, I have faced some tragic and bad experiences. I was only 5 when we were forced to flee from our home city of Pristina, which is in southern province of Serbia called Kosovo and Metohija, with only couple of suitcases, and not a lot of money, because of unjustified war and bombing of Serbia by Nato. Later, I have felt wast consequences from those actions. My father used to work for country defence department, and he was most of the time away, and we couldn’t know at a time is he alive or what’s going on, while, my mother used to work 2 jobs at a time, my older brother was traumatised from it all and it was really hard for him to get over it. Read More>>
James Hsieh
My optimism comes from a combination of factors, rooted in my upbringing and family values. Growing up in a rural area surrounded by the beauty of nature played a significant role in shaping my outlook on life. Living amidst nature’s wonders, I developed a deep appreciation for the world around me, which instilled a sense of wonder and positivity. Read More>>
DeVante Wynn
My growth mindset is the root of all my optimism. I believe that where I am is just a starting point, and that through hard work and dedication, I can achieve whatever I desire. My growth mindset allows me to believe that I can achieve my greatest dreams or become as wildly successful as I desire, even if it hasn’t happened YET! This adoption of a growth mindset, use of positive language, and knocking out quick and simple checkpoints on my way to my goals is an easy way to stay optimistic. Read More>>
