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.

Kimberly Schmitz

I believe it started with resiliency, shaped by my childhood realities. Growing up as the only child of a single mother meant watching strength unfold in real time. It wasn’t just about surviving; it was about adapting, about making room for possibilities that weren’t handed to me but carved out with sheer will. I knew I wanted better. Read More>> 

Marina Btesh

I never asked myself this question, I think it is within me since ever, it’s natural, I’m confident . But if I have to answer I would say it comes from my mother Read More>> 

Ebony Stacey Berry

Our optimism is deeply rooted in how we choose to live each day. One quote that really resonates with us is, “Get busy living or get busy dying.” That mindset shapes how we show up—not just in business, but in life. At Come Tea Us, one of our core values is fostering a culture of joy, fun, and passion. We believe that meaningful moments are built on warmth and genuine connection. Read More>> 

Chris Weakly

I think my optimism developed from the act of defying everything I was told I wouldn’t do in life. I was told I couldn’t do things from early childhood on. Barely graduating Highschool, I was near the bottom of the list regarding the level of success I would achieve. It wasn’t easy, coming out of highschool I had terrible social skills. It was a double hurdle to try and get over with know one understanding me and me not understanding myself. Even today many parts of the life and world make little sense but I’ve learned that’s okay. Read More>> 

Mike Stanko

Whenever possible, I always look for the bright side of any situation. I’ve been pretty fortunate to have led a pretty happy life and hopefully that will continue. But, as we all know, life can change at any time, so I’m thankful every day for what I have. Read More>> 

Jifei Ou

I think my optimism comes from making things. There’s something deeply hopeful and energizing about creating something new, through hands, mind, and/or machine. It’s how I process the world, and how I keep moving forward when things get uncertain. Read More>> 

Meredith

I’m a naturally optimistic person, but that mindset is deeply rooted in my faith and the way I was raised. I believe that God is always at work — even when circumstances are hard — and that He can bring good from every situation. Challenges build strength, failures bring lessons, and there’s always a chance to grow if you’re looking for it. Read More>> 

Andrew Cary

My optimism is directly tied to my decision to focus on trusting God, making sure my side of the street is clean and serving others. This combination of faith and service provided the framework where all other opportunities have unfolded.

By having a heart of service, I have been able to identify problems and reach solutions.This has been realized in business, personal affairs and serving the broader community. Read More>> 

Marina Radlinski

My optimism comes from this deep belief that I’m here to build something great — and that if I keep going, it will happen.

I’ve always had this fire to make it in America. Not just to survive — but to thrive. To create a life and a business that reflects my values, my work ethic, and my vision. And along the way, yes — there have been rooms where I’ve been the only one who looked like me. Read More>> 

Rehl Clarke

My optimism comes from not taking life so seriously. Life is meant to be fun and fulfilling or new adventures and memories. If you are not optimistic I believe your life wont be as fun as it could be!!  Read More>> 

Sarah Parlow

My mother. She really had the best laugh. It was truly infectious! And despite the busyness of having four children, work, and the endless demands of life, we always heard her laugh. She knew how to find joy in life!
I come from a long line of strong women. As a child, they taught me how to keep going. Dark times come, and it’s ok to be sad sometimes.  Read More>> 

Rupal Panwar

My optimism is something I’ve built over time, it wasn’t something I was born with. I don’t think anyone is. It comes from experiences, especially the real and raw ones. The good moments have shaped me, but it’s the tougher times that really taught me the most. Just making it through those moments, again and again, showed me that pain doesn’t last forever. Even in the darkest situations, I’ve found that there’s always something quietly waiting to teach you, to help you grow—even if you don’t see it right away. Read More>> 

Ashtar Alahmad

My optimism stems from a life-changing experience in 2015. Just four days before my graduation, a missile struck my home in the old city of Damascus. I was severely injured and nearly lost both of my legs. Doctors told me I might never walk again. Read More>> 

Noor Awada

Personally for me, optimism is a choice. It’s similar to the analogy of the cup being either half full, or half empty. Sometimes in life, you are put in situations that are just simply not the best. However for me, I always try to find the good things in every experience i have, even If it’s something really small. This helps me stay motivated and focus on the bigger picture, as well as appreciate the small things. Read More>> 

Dorothea Garland

My parents. I come from a large family, and I feel they had this really wonderful way to make us all feel equally important. They provided endless support for every sport, art form or interest we pursued. My biggest interests growing up were dancing and soccer. And both came with a lot of highs and of course challenges. In successful moments, their enthusiasm felt strong and sincere, and when defeated, they offered endless encouragement.  Read More>> 

 Shan Foster

I had a mentor challenge me saying “Instead of asking whats the worst that could happen, ask what’s the best thing that could happen.” This plot twist froze me. It was in that moment that I realized my unnatural allegiance to worst case scenarios. From a young child I was taught to consider the worst case as the barometer for making decisions. If I could live with the worst case scenario then I would be able to live with the decision. Read More>> 

Jaykishan Patel

I think I approach it by coming back to my “why.” Lately, I have been feeling like my “why” needs to be more resolute. Every time I reach a point where I feel overwhelmed, especially in my career, I return to what drives me, even when doubt creeps in. I find hope in the people I admire; they are like small lights guiding me forward. I believe that filling my life with these little lights helps me feel closer to my “why” and more optimistic about my future. Read More>> 

Cathleen Ireland

I’m definitely a silver linings kind of person. Always looking on the bright side, the glass is half full. It’s a part of who I am for sure but it’s also a choice for me. Optimism is a choice. As a child, my mom said I was always singing and dancing or skipping down the street. I typically have kind of an upbeat vibe or energy. But when I am feeling challenged by the music business or otherwise, I have found the path that works for me is the path of least resistance which means I try to focus on a dilemma and remove myself from areas that are causing undue pain and heartache.  Read More>>