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.
Leonel Diaz
Life is a journey of seasons and stages, each shaping us into who we are today. For me, optimism stems from how I view each day—with gratitude for everything I have. This mindset has taught me contentment and helped me consistently see the brighter side of life. I find joy in appreciating what I have, rather than longing for what I don’t. While it may seem simple at first glance, true gratitude must come from within—a reflection of the spirit, radiating from the inside out. Read more>>
Lindsay Orleans
As a therapist, I consider optimism a dynamic process within everyone that is intricately woven through biological, psychological, and sociological threads. Biologically, it arises from neurotransmitters and hormones that shape our moods and perception. Psychologically, it is influenced by our thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes, which guide how we interpret and respond to life’s challenges. Sociologically, our environment, relationships, and culture further mold our capacity for optimism, enriching or dampening our hopeful outlook. Far from being static, optimism evolves through interactions with both our inner selves and the world around us. Read more>>
Sara Tapparo
I would have to say my optimism comes from my faith. Over my life God has shown Himself faithful over and over again, especially after my daughter Ashley gained her wings 6/6/22. Read more>>
Alison Truelock
I have always been a “glass half full” person. In every situation, I seek to find the good. Keeping an attitude of optimism allows me to take risks and explore challenges creatively, knowing I will do my best come up with a solution or a plan to make things work. It’s knowing that, although I can’t necessarily change the circumstances, I am able to change my attitude towards them. Even when things go wrong, I try to find the silver lining and the lesson. I am grateful for mentors and colleagues that have demonstrated this in their own lives. Read more>>
C. H. Engelhardt
My optimism comes from hearing my friends’ laughter as we sit around the table eating a meal that all of us prepared together, the nights we watch movies at each others’ apartments in our own version of Mystery Science Theater 3000, and the days we spend hiking together trying to identify the mushroom species we come across. It comes from hearing my dad play the organ at church as my mom accompanies him with her singing, watching my younger brothers play brass instruments in the same calm way that my grandfather used to, and going to see my cousins’ metal band at music festivals. It comes from watching springtails jumping on the soil, stopping to see ants on the pavements carry away small crumbs of fudge, and finding cicada molts dappling the sides of trees in the summertime. My optimism comes from remembering all of the small moments I have shared with others, and it also comes from knowing that I will always carry those moments with me. Read more>>
Anastasia Kakias
My optimism comes from witnessing the joy that comes from bellydance. Whether it be classes, performance or costuming. It is joyous to dance and it is fun to see and wear the costumes that adorn the dance. Read more>>
Kamilya Daniels Myhomegirlkam
My optimism comes from my time on Earth and my walk with God.
EVERYTIME it gets tough, it eventually gets better. Every time there’s
a dark cloud, the sun eventually shines. So the proof is in the pudding
of my life; there has yet to be one battle faced that I didn’t make it
through. So when tough times or obstacles find me, I look up to the hills
from which my help comes and I have confidence in knowing I’ll be on
the other side of the situation in due time. Read more>>
Sophia Shaw
I like to think of myself as the “Keeper of Spring’s Promise.” Each winter, there comes a moment when people start to question whether spring will ever come. What if it doesn’t happen this year? Even rational people wonder. What if we have to endure the dark and cold, brown and gray, forever? Read more>>
Yaritza Guillen
My optimism comes from having nothing to lose and, at times, being a little delusional. I come from a family that has endured significant hardships and mental illness, yet they remain some of the most positive, joyful, and humorous people I know. I think my optimism also stems from the fact that I wasn’t supposed to make it this far—everything I achieve now feels like a bonus. Other times, I’m simply driven by the excitement and fun of what I’m involved in. I find myself fueled by happiness, often creating it within myself when needed. Life is already hard to many being a unapologetic optimism, disruptor, and my ADHD is what helps too. Read more>>
P-wig Jones
I think my optimism stems from a combination of my upbringing and my experiences in the music industry. My parents instilled in me a strong sense of resilience and hope, teaching me that no matter what challenges I faced, I had the power to choose how I responded. Read more>>
Camilo Villa
My optimism comes from working as a teacher with young kids, training equity-minded educators, and being part of a visionary community of artists. Teaching children opens a door to seeing the world with fresh eyes—through their curiosity, wonder, and unfiltered joy. They remind me that even the simplest moments can be deeply meaningful. Their laughter and creativity inspire me to embrace playfulness, approach challenges with their adventurous spirit, and quite literally dance through life with joy and freedom. They teach me hope and resilience, even in challenging times. Read more>>
Farah Billah
Optimism. oof-okay. I think once I realized that I can accomplish things outside of what was expected of me, the world opened up. I grew up knowing that I would have a very specific future: law school, stable job, marriage, kids. Honestly, now that I’m a little older, parts of that doesn’t sound so bad. It wasn’t really about that, though, it was about choice. I stressed so much about not living up to expectations – it devastated my mind, strained my relationships, and gave me crippling self doubt and anxiety. Read more>>
Sarah Anderson
My optimism comes from the unity on the Vic James Center team. We are a very diverse team in all definitions of the word, by design, and our differences have been leveraged to bring out the best in each of us. We have the best people in the right positions. Lauryn Hill teaches art workshops and coaches individuals who feel stuck and need help on a new business or want to make a career move and are seeking more clarity, direction and confidence to make money doing work they enjoy. Justin Broome personally trains many young athletes and adults as they try to obtain their various personal goals. He is motivated in giving back to the community and helping mentor the youth in the same ways he was helped. Dyuti Trivedi has been volunteering since she was a teenager in various non-profits in different capacities. She has helped with teaching, art, street plays & fundraising for various causes including equal rights, healthcare and the integration of all within society. Read more>>
