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?

Aliana Moss

When I first started working as a freelance makeup artist, I focused on what was in my kit and on techniques… but over time, I realized that an essential quality I bring with me to every job can’t be put in my suitcase.
It’s optimism.
In this industry — where every day is different, where schedules shift, budgets change, and bookings fall through — optimism isn’t just a nice attitude to have. It’s a survival skill. Read More>>

Celine Moser

I wasn’t always an optimistic person; in fact, I used to be pretty pessimistic. I became more optimistic when I stopped looking at challenges or “failures” as something that was happening to me and instead I started looking at them as opportunities to learn and grow. I would say, “Okay, what do I need to learn from this?” And now I usually take them as signs that it’s time to pivot.  Read More>>

Excel Ansong

My optimism is deeply rooted in my faith and lived experience. I’ve faced seasons where things didn’t go as planned—setbacks, health challenges, closed doors—and yet somehow, grace always made a way. That’s taught me to believe that even when things look uncertain, there’s purpose in the process. I hold onto the belief that everything I go through is shaping me for greater, and that perspective allows me to approach life with hope instead of fear. Read More>>

 Maurice Leggett

My optimism comes from my life experiences. My personal life has been a roller coaster growing up. Things that I’ve been through weren’t the greatest, but I’ve been around people that their lives were worse than mine. So I tell myself, it could be worse, and I believe that I can handle anything. Read More>>

Sheena Gao

My optimism comes from a deep inner knowing that everything is temporary—both the pain and the joy—so we might as well live it fully and beautifully. I remind myself often: we’re only on this planet for a short while, so why not make the most of it? I choose to travel endlessly, laugh loudly with like-minded friends, and pour love into the animals, the people, and the world around me. Being surrounded by compassionate souls who share the same values keeps my spirit lifted.  Read More>>

David Jericho

Most optimists are not truly happy because they are just disregarding problems as opposed to looking through problems and seeing a solution. The world always seems like it’s ending, and while that can seem like a depressing thought, it’s actually quite a freeing one. It’s only after you see this that you can find true peace. I am an optimist not to cope with how the world is, but having seen how it is and always has been, it would be foolish to think that things will not be alright in the end. I can see that very few things happen without a purpose, and that is a comforting thought. Read More>>

Char Lessenger

My optimism truly comes from two core beliefs that have been deeply ingrained throughout my journey, coupled with personal mottos I live by.

First, I fundamentally believe in the power of human connection and clear communication. Whether it was guiding students through complex decisions, helping clients achieve their business goals with digital strategies, or navigating new cultures while teaching English abroad, I’ve seen firsthand how clarity, empathy, and genuine connection can overcome almost any obstacle. When you focus on understanding and building rapport, challenges often transform into opportunities. Read More>>

Monique Morales

My optimism is something I credit entirely to my dad. He became a father at just 15, so in many ways, we grew up together. From a young age, he taught me that life is short and meant to be lived fully. That means chasing your dreams, learning from your mistakes, and always choosing growth over fear. Read More>>

Kristen Wasyliszyn

My fear of being a drag.

Reframing works well. Shifting the “I have to” to, “I get to” has helped keep me positive.
AND I’ve always had something, someone or someplace to look forward to- mini optimism packages) Read More>>

 Negin Poure

There’s this quote by John Lennon that says, “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.” That line has become a compass for me. Over time, it’s shaped the way I hold onto optimism, not as blind positivity, but as a deep trust in the long arc of things.

I think my optimism comes from a place of patience. I’ve come to understand that no matter how tough life gets, whether in my career or my personal life, with enough time, thought, and intention, things tend to unfold the way they’re meant to. That doesn’t mean I expect life to be easy; it just means I’ve learned to trust the process. Read More>>

Rick Sykes

There are a lot of problems that assist in our world today such as poverty, crime, drugs addiction, hunger, mental illness, depression, discrimination, sexism, racism and litany of other problems. Honestly, I am a person that tends to focus more on finding solutions and resolving issues rather than spending much of my time, energy and resources on the problem itself. I really think my optimism as well as my compassion stems from my mother, Dortha Mae Sykes. Read More>>

Rania Hussant

My optimistic attitude is deeply rooted in the legacy of my grandparents and mother, who always carried a positive outlook and a deep belief that behind every hardship lies hidden goodness and abundance. From a young age, I was taught that my role is to do the best I can and then trust what is given to me—to surrender with faith, knowing that even if I don’t immediately see the good, there’s always a lesson meant for me. Read More>>