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?

Rico Mejia

Great question! My optimism come from my faith. As a Christian my hope is in Christ. He invites us all to come to him and in return he offers us his peace, love and protection. I know with assured confidence that no matter what the world throws at me, I am safe, loved and protected. Read More>>

Cindy Wahler

My parents raised me to believe that obstacles or set backs were opportunities to be creative and find an alternative path. It was expected that in life we all face various challenges and if we learn to pause and regroup we will find an innovative solution. I observed my parents and their sense of optimism was contagious. Read More>>

Riku Campo

It is in me. And I think it is all genetic. My mother is an optimistic person so I got it from her and also how she raised me. Also, I have always surrounded with people who have positive energy and are optimistic. So those two factors make me who I am: an optimistic person. Read More>>

Arad Momen and Reese Darlington

When Reese Darlington and Arad Momen founded HammerLogic Construction & Remodeling, they weren’t chasing trends, they were redefining how the construction industry operates. What began as two driven entrepreneurs from different backgrounds with a shared vision has grown into one of Southern California’s most trusted names in luxury remodeling and insurance restoration. “We didn’t take loans, investors, or shortcuts,” says Darlington. Read More>>

Kylee Levien

My optimism comes from the people and moments that remind me why I love what I do. Whether it’s a big scene we just completed, a message from someone who connected with a project, or just seeing how stories can bring people together, that’s what keeps me motivated. I’ve learned that things rarely go perfectly, but they always go the way they’re meant to. Read More>>

Kiwanna Lanta

My optimism comes from surviving things that were meant to break me and realizing I’m still here, still shining. I’ve had to rebuild myself more than once, and every time I rose, I saw proof that light always finds its way back. A lot of it also comes from motherhood. Read More>>

Maureen Brown

My optimism didn’t come from a single moment — it was built over time through watching families fight for their children and realizing that real change is possible. When you work in special education advocacy, you see the cracks in the system up close. Read More>>

Kellan Spears

I have a heart and dream too stubborn to quit. But once the helmet visor drops, all that matters is the line I take through the corner — the proof that passion and skill can succeed, if only given a chance. Read More>>

Ivan Scott

It comes from a belief that my words and stories can resonate with someone, and can make a difference in their life. When I read Hemingway and Fitzgerald, I know that they went through the same rejections, disappointments and doubt as I do, but they pressed on. I believe as long as you don’t quit, no matter how difficult things get, you can succeed. Read More>>

Desi d’Amani

I think I’ve always been a person who has worn rose colored glasses. It’s my nature—However, as a young adult, my optimistic nature faced a reality check when I walked through the healing process of a concussion. When I began to struggle with basic motor skills, cognitive ability, and performing “normal” functions, I began to see the mask of “optimism” crumble. Read More>>

Dominique Treadwell

My optimism is rooted in two things: memory and faith. Memory reminds me that I’ve seen hard things before and made it through every single one of them. I’ve had seasons where I didn’t know the path but I walked it anyway. That gives me a quiet confidence — a knowing that if I’ve survived, grown, softened, and bloomed once, I can do it again. Read More>>

Kim Slipski

When it comes to thinking about the future, I have a favorite quote I often return to: “Nobody knows enough to be a pessimist.” It’s a good reminder that we simply can’t predict the future, and so it’s important not to mistake our feelings about it for fact. Read More>>

Cheryl Paswater

Falling and getting back up again. I truly believe that our mindset is everything so even when we sometimes don’t feel optimistic then we need to dig deep and change the narrative. Read More>>

Becca Droz

I’ve always felt lucky to have a naturally positive outlook, and for a long time I wondered why. In my late 20s, I discovered the Enneagram, a personality typing system that outlines nine distinct lenses on the world (I’ve since become a certified Enneagram coach). Read More>>

Litzy Valencia

My optimism comes from the resilience I’ve built over time through different experiences and the people I’ve met. Every challenge or connection has taught me something—some opened doors I never expected, and others taught me lessons I didn’t know I needed. Read More>>

Ramone Dixon

My optimism comes from my ability to look for the positives in any situation. Even when I’m not feeling optimistic in the moment, I try to stay honest and transparent about what’s really happening. From there, my optimism kicks in as I focus on finding ways to improve and appreciating the process it takes to grow. Read More>>

Brody Min

The optimism I’ve developed over my journey as Crokomoko is something I hold very close to my heart. It’s become a kind of compass. There is a quiet belief that things can always grow, shift, and evolve, even when they don’t go as planned. Read More>>

Craig Babiarz

In 2007, I lost a bunch of friends to car crashes, suicides, and in one case, murder. At that time I was in a few different music projects, mostly original stuff, with a very desired punk vibe. I didn’t really believe in the nihilism that some punks prescribed to, but I did my part in writing down and out, against authority music. Read More>>

Susannah Foos

My optimism comes from experience — from walking through hard seasons and realizing that hope isn’t something you find, it’s something you cultivate. In college, I went through a deep period of depression. I wasn’t prepared for the separation from my family or the emotional weight of being on my own. Read More>>

Murari Ambati

My optimism comes from my ability to stay focused on what is at the end of the tunnel, my long-term goals and the person I want to become. I have learned that challenges and setbacks are temporary, while the vision I am working toward is lasting. When things become difficult, I remind myself why I started and what success will look and feel like. Read More>>

Elisa Berry

Honestly, it comes from a deep love for people. I’ve seen over and over that people want to be seen and loved — really seen. And that truth gives me hope every single day. My faith roots me in that. It reminds me that light always finds its way through, even in the quiet or ordinary moments. Read More>> 

Allyson Jackson

My optimism comes from the way I was raised and the experiences that shaped me. Since I was young, I’ve always believed I was meant to do great things and that I would succeed in life no matter what path I chose. I didn’t grow up with a silver spoon in my mouth, so I’ve learned the value of hard work, faith, and perseverance. Read More>>

Anastasia Herman

My name is Anastasia Herman, and I am one of Ukraine’s leading attorneys in reproductive law. Based in Lviv, I have over 13 years of experience in international surrogacy, having coordinated more than 40 programs in the past 12 months alone, resulting in over 30 live births so far this year. Read More>>

Cat Sherwin

I’ve always been a pretty optimistic person, but I’d say it mostly comes through adversity and the challenges and life experiences I have been through. Over my lifetime, I’ve developed a strong gratitude practice (often by going through tough things). Read More>>

 Ricky Bartlett

This is a question I am often asked. You would think growing up in poverty, experiencing continued physical and sexual abuse, and the loss of both my legs to flesh-eating disease would mean that I would live in a depressed mental state as an adult. Yet, it is quite the opposite. Read More>>

Jasmine Renee Madkins

My optimism comes first from my faith. I truly believe that God is always working things out for my good, even when I cannot see it yet. That belief keeps me grounded and hopeful no matter what season I am in. Read More>>

Elizabeth Krupka

“Honestly, I get my optimism from the people and projects I surround myself with. I love collaborating with creative, driven people — it’s hard not to feel hopeful when you’re building things together that didn’t exist before. I’ve always believed in finding joy in the process, not just the outcome.” Read More>>

 Brian Chulik

Our group initially started visitations at the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Ward in 2010. One of our founding members (Brian Chulik), had a near death experience. Read More>>

Stephanie & Justin Goodman

My optimism comes from the people and stories I get to witness in every session. I see beauty in the way someone lights up when they feel seen, in a business owner proud of their work, and in a community that shows up for each other. Memphis has this way of reminding me that there’s always something good growing. That’s what keeps me creating, dreaming, and believing in what’s possible. Read More>>