Optimism is like magic – it has the power to make the impossible a reality because it gives folks to courage and motivation to try. If there is one thing we believe everyone should guard with their life, it’s their optimism and so we asked some of the most optimistic folks we know to talk to us about how they developed their optimism.
Carrie Giordano
My optimism definitely comes from my dad. From a very young age, he taught me to always look on the bright side and see good in any situation. As I’ve gotten older he has taught me to focus on gratitude in my life. These lessons have helped me so much when I’m faced with adversity. Read more>>
Rajarshi Bhattacharjee
As a psychotherapist who works with people struggling with addictions, I often meet them at their darkest times. Many of my clients feel like they are held hostage by their addictions. They feel the pressure from work and to always be on top of everything. They feel alone in their lives and relationships. As a result, many try to run away from the pain to things like alcohol, drugs, gambling, or food to make them feel better. Soon, however, instead of bringing a sense of relief, these behaviours and substances start controlling their lives. They feel trapped. Read more>>
Geetha Ravula
My optimism comes from observing and paying attention to life, people and personalities from Hindu Scriptures like Ramayan, Mahabharath, Bhagavad Githa and Bhagavatham. These stories taught me how with acceptance, gratitude, empathy, resilience and persistence people turned adverse situations into opportunities, There is nothing to lose in life, when we understand this, we will always have an optimistic view of life. Read more>>
David Castro
My optimism likely stems from the community-driven mission behind VANCERTS. The desire to create meaningful connections through music and to support emerging artists in such a personal and unique way fuels a sense of hope and excitement. Seeing how live music can positively impact both artists and audiences’ lives, especially in Austin’s vibrant scene, is a strong source of motivation. Read more>>
Arielle Kouyoumdjian
My optimism comes from the stories I’ve heard and the actions I’ve seen through my podcast and nonprofit work. On my podcast, I’ve had the privilege of amplifying the voices of marginalized communities around the world—people who are often on the frontlines of climate change but rarely get the platform to share their experiences. Hearing their stories of resilience and how they’ve adapted in the face of adversity gives me hope. It’s a reminder that even in the most vulnerable communities, there’s a deep well of strength and innovation that can drive climate solutions. Read more>>
Tina Marie Davis
My optimism comes from my strong faith. I think as adults, we have all experienced a place of “rock bottom”, at some point in our lives. When my rock bottom presented itself, I was faced with 2 options. I can let it defeat me, or I can let it strengthen me. When everything is stripped from you, and you feel like you have completely lost everything that matters to you, the only thing you have to rely on IS Faith. I made a promise to myself and God that I would make the necessary changes and do the necessary work, to be the person, that I was put here to be. From then on, I chose to only ever focus on being positive and optimistic. It takes a lot of work and dis, but it makes such a difference. You receive the energy you put out, and shifting my outlook on life completely changed the game for me. Read more>>
Sarah Chapin (sarah Marie Spectrum)
It’s a choice. An active one that I make daily. People are always arguing about the glass being half full, the glass half empty. I just drank the glass. I am not a person who freezes, debating the intricacies of life. I’ve known since I was little that I am here to dream. To hope. To love. To live. Unrealistic? Perhaps. One of my core values is love over fear. I think it is a brave thing to be willing to recognize our fear for the friend that it is, but instead of running from it, we embrace it as an old friend and say: “Thank you for trying to protect me. I recognize your value and I think we should work together instead of against the current.” Read more>>
Arie Walters
As someone who is known for being a positive person, I would say my optimism subconsciously comes from faith. I have faith that things will get better, and I know for a fact that things could be worse. I know that everything I go through is not happening to me, it is happening for me. In every situation, there is a lesson and opportunity for me to grow into the person I dream of becoming. No situation nor circumstance is inevitably bad or good. It’s all about your perspective, and I choose to have a good one. My best friend and I always say that gratitude is the best attitude. When you take a step back and remind yourself of all the things to be grateful for, it immediately shifts your energy, and I feel so much lighter. Read more>>
Chrisshele Griffin
My optimism stems from my passion for baking and the freedom to be creative in my business, as well as mastering the ability to balance it with my professional career. When I started this, knowing I was working full-time and preparing to go back to school, I had no idea what it was going to look like. I’ve been in administrative roles for almost 20 years, and running my own business gives me a different outlet for expression and fulfillment. When I’m in the kitchen, my lab, I feel confident in my skills and have a clear vision on where I would love to take my business. Read more>>
Justin Ruffier
I’ve been working in animal rescue for a few years, and sometimes it’s difficult to be optimistic when working in difficult situations. I really try to focus on who I can save and the good we’re doing, and even though saving one animal doesn’t change the world, it changes the world for that animal. I also realize that I’m part of a movement that started well before me and will continue long after I’m gone. I’m thankful that I’m able to do my part and optimistic that I’m helping to move the mission forward for others to build upon. Small changes can lead to big changes, and when individuals contribute to a group goal, the impact is exponential. Read more>>
Kierra Roberson
I have always been extremely optimistic. I have always been the type of person to go for what I want and not care what anybody has to say or think. It plays hand and hand with my resilience, I don’t ever look at things like they unobtainable. I’m very much so a “when the time comes” type of person. When things don’t go my way I know there is something even better on its way that I may not see or understand yet. Everything that’s for me will always be for me is something I live by. Read more>>
Daniel Bell
My optimism comes mostly from having confidence in myself, in the industry I’m in as far as business optimism goes, and ultimately my faith in God. A lot of that was developed from the small things that I was able to do successfully growing up whether it was in sports or school that helped me trust my own ability to adjust as things change and do what needs to be done. As far as business goes, being able to see how much opportunity there is in the financial world, and seeing other examples of success at a high level from people who weren’t much different from me was also a huge boost for consistently staying optimistic about the future. Ultimately though as I mentioned, being a Christian, even if nothing in life works out, there’s always a promise of a life after this one, so one way or another, there’s too much to look forward to to not be optimistic. Read more>>
Michael Licata, Jr
Staying optimistic as an artist and creator isn’t always an easy task, but when I stop thinking about it as work, it reminds me of why I started composing and producing music in the first place. The love of it and the magic that comes out in the music. Sometimes, you just have to take a step back and look at it from a different perspective. If you do what you love and love what you do, it’s not work, it’s a passion. Read more>>
Clay Von Carlowitz
When I was growing up, I witnessed my mom struggle to keep the family together. We lived in small-town Northeast Ohio, mixing with lower-middle and upper-middle classes, moving constantly with a lot of kids in tow. Financially we were always struggling, and on top of that, my dad was an alcoholic. Even though there were lots of dark, harrowing moments, I couldn’t help but notice the radical positivity my mom held onto through it all. Her dedication to instilling traditions of escape, unity, togetherness and faith made a huge impact on me early on, as did the surge of joy when my dad was in a good mood and felt like being funny or playing pretend. Read more>>
Elijah Edwards
Our optimism comes from seeing other bands in our local scene achieving things that we want achieve as well. Whether that be playing a certain venue, playing with a bigger band, achieving a certain number of streams etc. When we see our friends reaching all these great milestones it gives us confidence that we can do that as well. Read more>>
Megan Sundquist
My optimism comes from within and is inspired by nature. I often find myself drawn close to nature in times of despair or confusion. I go on long walks and hikes and reflect during these times. The beauty of the world and the peace that I find in the naturally occurring masterpiece that is nature inspires me to take on new perspectives. This is why most of my tie dye designs are reflections of nature- ocean waves, palm trees, flowers, butterflies, the moon and stars, etc. They help me to see life in color again when my spirit is feeling dark. Read more>>
Gabriel Castillo
My optimism comes from trusting my ideas. If I can clearly see what I want, I feel like I can make it happen. You’ve got to really feel your projects for them to work. I think everything we do needs some optimism, just like every creative process has a bit of doubt. You need both to get things done. For me, that optimism comes from my gut instinct; it comes from my intuition.” Read more>>
Chris Mclaurin
One of the mantras I have in my head is that there are a set number of meals in your life. Hopefully that number is high but to me it means take every meal and enjoy it. Whether simple or extravagant get the pleasure and joy out of each bite. And to me this isn’t just limited to food – learn lessons from the past and plan for the future but by living in the present it’s easier to stay grounded, thankful, and optimistic. Read more>>
Ismael Mercado
When you’re born in a Latin American country, the only way to move forward is to believe in yourself and trust that things will always get better. I am Venezuelan, from a country that has faced many adversities, where if you’re born in a barrio, it seems like that’s where you’ll spend your entire life. I am the son of Colombian immigrants, Justina Campo and Abel Mercado, who arrived in Venezuela in the 1980s searching for a better future. I am sure that I inherited my optimism from them. Every migrant carries the seed of pain for having left their homeland in pursuit of something better—something they don’t have yet but can plan for in the near future. Read more>>
Saraí Balderrama
Agencia de Arte is a project space focused on contemporary art, representing emerging to mid-career artists. I started Agencia de Arte alongside with my sister Lara and we were both very naive regarding what starting a company meant, but we were very clear about what we wanted to do and what we wanted to accomplish. So clear about it, that 12 years later, full of changes, ups and downs, beautiful surprises and others not that pretty, we are still on the same path, with the same goal on our minds, becoming a reference in emergent side of the contemporary art world in México. Read more>>
Tim Arnwine
I began ghost hunting over 20 years ago when the field was beginning to catch fire. I was never ridiculed when I discussed what I did, but I noticed they would shy away. I never got discouraged because I was investigating for me, the journey to look for answers. I noticed the trend went towards, people wanting to tell their story or experiences with a ghost. Read more>>
Justin Sather
My optimism comes from having strong positive role models in my life. It all started with my Mom, Dr. Jane Goodall, and their lessons on creativity and hope. When I was in first grade my mom got a call asking if I’d like to be featured as the “Brave Kid” in a magazine honoring conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall. This was incredible because the year before my mom encouraged me to join Dr. Jane’s Roots and Shoots program to support my idea to save frogs from going extinct from people destroying their homes. Read more>>
Nicole Long
In life, we always have a choice. It sometimes may not feel like it, but there is always the option to view our circumstances as gifts and opportunities. Over the last few years I have spent a lot of time learning about mindset, and working on my own, and something amazing has happened. I have learned how to truly embrace a positive mindset, and even when I encounter hard times, I now know how to default to looking for the gift and the opportunity rather than wallowing in the unfortunate circumstance I found myself in. Sometimes it’s realizing this particular hardship will better prepare me to coach my clients who will run into something similar. Read more>>
Kesha Denise
Optimism is influenced by a combination of genetics and environment, so for me, my optimism comes from my upbringing and life events.
Being raised by a single mother, I was always told a few things that totally assists in me being so optimistic:
– Always look at the glass half full versus empty.
– If you have faith, you have no fear. If you have fear, you have no faith.
– After the rain/storm, there is always the sun/rainbow. Read more>>
Jesse Orlean
In any situation in life, an individual can choose to react positively or negatively. For me, life seems too short and too valuable to ever respond to anything with negativity. The energy that someone puts out into the world is the same energy that circulates right back to them. Even in what might seem like the lowest of lows, everything happens for a reason and it is important to pull the good out of any moment or situation. It is crucial to recognize the fact that not everything is under your control and that it is so much more valuable to see how you respond to challenges, adapt to changes, and grow from experiences. Read more>>
Shaun Chaney
We live in a world of negativity, from politics, to social media, to the local news. It seems like everyone is in competition with one another, trying to tear others down to pull themselves up. Being negative draws negativity towards you, so I make every attempt to look at the brighter side of things. I am a firm believer that you reap what you sow and the more positivity and optimism that I spread, the wider the audience that it will reach. Read more>>
Karin Lazarus
My optimism comes from believing in my ability to succeed and knowing I am good at what I do. Optimism is the ability to go forward with hope and confidence. Successful outcomes begin with optimism. People are drawn to confidence because it fosters trust. Even so I also know that no one can do it alone. Seek and receive support! There is strength in being vulnerable, in being human. Successful people are conscious and interested in continuous personal and professional growth, and who courageously ask for and openly receive support are stronger. Support from others breeds optimism. Read more>>
Lindley Wiesner
I love illustrating bright and happy scenes and patterns to keep myself optimistic. In the same way that music can influence one’s mood, I find that the projects I’m working on influence my mood! I’m happiest when I’m using saturated colors, cute characters, and optimistic lettering in my illustrations, so those are the types of projects on which I choose to focus. Read more>>
Debby Merkel
I’ve been told that I am always so optimistic and I truly am. This quality was learned from my favourite aunt who always looked at the glass totally full. I spent a lot of time with her growing up and was amazed by her attitude and independent nature. Looking back I realize that she was the best role model for me. Read more>>
Maren Lawrence
It comes from many parts of my life! From my family, my friends, my experiences… But mostly from my love of creation. I love to create, therefore one day it will pay off. The worst that could happen in my area of art is someone says no. Which can be a bummer! However, life moves on and more opportunities arise. Nothing is really stuck anywhere, in my experience so far. Read more>>
Hannah Carnell
There is no such thing as a problem, but rather a challenge. Problems are defeating, yet challenges empower. Rooted in a profound internal resilience, a “chip on my shoulder” attitude has been a driving force. While this distinct perspective may set me apart, it is not a negative trait. Instead, it fosters a unique viewpoint. Resilience is the cornerstone of my optimism, transforming adversity into a path for growth. I believe in the power of the challenge, but much greater the power of the solution. I haven’t found a fixed or definitive purpose, and I’m not convinced one exists. In our ever-changing world, especially within a capitalist system, it’s easy to confuse purpose with performance. I’ve realized that fulfillment isn’t a static goal but a dynamic process. Read more>>
Gordon Mcarthur
My optimism stems from my firsthand experience with the transformative power of technology and human creativity. Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed incredible advancements that have opened up new possibilities we could barely imagine just a few years ago. Working with LiDAR technology, I’ve seen how we can preserve and recreate our physical world in digital spaces, making cultural heritage accessible to people worldwide. In the blockchain realm, I’ve observed the development of systems that could revolutionize trust and transactions in the digital age. Read more>>
Jim Cooper
Two stories:
Seeing optimism in action. My Mom’s cancer journey baffled the doctors who gave her six months to live. She decided she was not done and hung around another 5 1/2 years including a period of total remission. Having spirituality in my life. There were many times during my wife’s cancer journey that I was guided by a quiet voice to guide and reassure me:
1) Changing doctors – we received the cancer diagnosis from a hospital/doctor that we were not comfortable with. When it came time to sign up for treatment, a voice stopped me from making a phone call to this specific doctor and put us on a different and infinitely better path.
2) Turning over the treatment and results to my higher power, then staying out of the way. Read more>>
Pilar Ortiz
My source of positivity has always been my belief that we are much greater than our bodies. At a very young age, my mom introduced me to the amazing book by Cony Mendez, *Metaphysics 4 in One,* which led me to believe that we are not only physical beings and that our soul (at that time, the only way I could understand this was by using the term “soul”) is who we truly are. Read more>>
Ursula Davi-myer
My optimism comes from a deep well of empathy, resilience, and the lessons life has offered me, often in the most challenging moments. As the firstborn in a family that faced its fair share of struggles—my parent’s divorce, my mom’s disability, and moving —I felt a responsibility to be strong and to meet expectations. Life threw many challenges my way, but each one shaped me into the person I am today. Through every trial, is a lesson to be learned. Read more>>
Armani Fountain
My optimism comes from life experiences. I believe that if you pay attention, you can find the positive in almost everything, even if you’re experiencing something bad. I remember listening to Tony Robbins on a podcast and he told the host to look around and notice everything he could find that was brown. Tony told him to close his eyes and tell him what he saw that was red. The podcaster couldn’t, he was only looking for brown. Then he told him to open his eyes and look for red. The podcaster found a ton of red items in the room and even called a few things that were burgundy red just to feel more successful at the exercise. When you believe something’s true, you’ll find evidence for it. Read more>>
Lioness Telaine
My optimism I believe came from my upbringing. I was instilled with many values and integral morals in my childhood. I was a part of so many community-related initiatives, and over time, it built character, emotional intelligence, and strong mental awareness. I grew up seeing the women in my family make miracles and turn nothing into something. It molds you to have an unwavering faith and an optimistic attitude. I saw the difference it made in life. I experienced the results early on how it was to behave integrally or be pessimistic in life and get counterproductive results. Read more>>
Isaac Barrientos
My optimism comes from my deep passion for music and my desire to help the community grow. Music has always been a powerful way to bring people together, and seeing how it can create connections and uplift others keeps me motivated and hopeful. The idea of building a supportive community where everyone can thrive is what fuels my optimism every day. Read more>>
Jillian Ford
I attribute my optimism to experiencing first hand during life’s toughest challenges, there’s always a way to make it out on top. Due to my short comings in high school, I never thought attending college was in the cards for me. So when I graduated college on the Deans list, I felt like I was on top of the world. Soon after, I drove across country with my best friend (Keondrea Richards) and we moved into a falsely advertised 1 bedroom house. That following month, my father unexpectedly passed away. Experiencing three major life changes in such a short amount of time could understandably get anyone’s spirits down. Read more>>
