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.
Vanessa Stoilova
I’m in an industry that’s both difficult to get in and difficult to prosper in, illustration, but I’ve always been optimistic that I can make it. That is not to say that I expected it would be easy or that it would be a road without failure. I’m simply a solution-oriented person who sees obstacles as problems to solve, and learning opportunities. Read more>>
Micaela Machado
I naturally feed off people’s energy and so when I come across very negative people, I have to distance myself and find a way to not let them take my energy. I’ve learned I’m my best when I’m surrounded by positive, uplifting people who can see the wonderful things in life and don’t just focus on what’s wrong. Read more>>
Lauren Logan
My optimism comes from understanding that happiness is a choice. A daily decision in making the effort to look on the bright side of life. I try to remain positive and believe that everything happens for a reason, even if I cannot see or understand the reason within the moment. Choosing to have a positive attitude towards life allows me to practice gratitude and be knowledgeable about the many blessings in my life. Read more>>
Sabrina Barroso
My optimism comes from the Lord. I am aware that every day is a gift and that it all can be taken from us so quickly. After my mother passed away in 2016, I learned that I have to make the most out of every moment that God has blessed me with. He continues to show me that even through the trials and tests that happen, they are here to make me stronger and prepare me for the next stepping stone. Read more>>
Eva Bascompte Moragas
I’m usually a pessimist, heh. I take it from my mom. Although I’m a different type of pessimist. I tend to lower expectations, think about a possible failure, so it doesn’t hit as hard when it fails, but that comes with perks, it allows me to try anything and everything because I know failure is a possibility and this way I’m not as scared to try new things. In a way it’s half way of being optimistic if you think about it. Read more>>
Josh Almeida
What a great question!! Living a life powered by optimism is a thoughtful practice. It’s something that you decide within yourself and have to choose to keep returning to, even when the darkness starts covering up the light. That’s when optimism is the most important. Read more>>
Maggie Hartmans Brittany Zampella
As a sustainable production company that has made documentaries about climate change, we often get asked how we can remain hopeful. Our entire philosophy is based on being “farsighted” – if you have farsighted vision, everything up close is blurry, but you can see far ahead. We are adamant about not letting current setbacks hinder the hope for the future. Read more>>
Joshua D. Reed
I believe my optimism comes from the amount of loss I’ve experienced in life. There have been points in my life where I experienced the loss of many people, material things, relationships, friendships etc. but things always worked out. Staying optimistic is what helped keep me going. Read more>>
Bara Mann
My optimism comes from understanding that ANY circumstance or situation can be turned into a gift or opportunity. This means that even if something feels bad, you have the power to turn it into something good. Read more>>
Ke Wang
My optimism springs from a place deep within me, an intrinsic part of who I am, as natural to me as breathing. From the beginning, I’ve always looked forward to what’s next, eager for the future’s possibilities. This outlook has been a constant companion, guiding my steps as an artist and shaping my worldview. Read more>>
Kailee Carlson
I believe my optimism was instilled in me from a very young age. I come from a very optimistic family. My mom is a very glass-half-full human and always taught my sister and me to find the good in people and life. Read more>>
Adrain Webb
My optimism is deeply rooted in my upbringing, personal experiences, and mindset. Growing up, I was surrounded by a family that always encouraged a positive outlook on life, even in the face of adversity. One of the lessons instilled in me the belief that there is always a silver lining to be found, no matter how dire the circumstances may seem. Read more>>
Josh Soskin
What a great question. I have no idea. I think it’s innate. Part of my genetic code. But I also had a great therapist who was formative. I lost my hair to a rare auto-immune condition (alopecia) when I was in my early 20s. It was a rock bottom type of low and she helped me off the ledge. Read more>>
Camika Jerido
My optimism comes mainly from my parents and the lessons I was taught as a child. Despite the adversity, my parents always maintained a positive attitude and taught my siblings and I to approach life with optimism and resilience. Read more>>
Cassidy Scanlan
In a world filled with doubt and uncertainty, I have found myself falling into this response at time. Creating Cassidy Scanlan Advertising Group has been the greatest catalyst in shifting my mindset. Running a company comes with a lot of responsibility and the possibility of complications. Instead of succumbing to doubt and uncertainty, I am able to resolve these issues in a more meaningful way. Read more>>
Magda Sommer
My optimism comes from my determination to make the most out of life, seeing opportunities in every problem and tackling them head-on. Life hasn’t always been easy for me, and I’ve faced numerous setbacks. But what keeps me going is the belief that tough times will pass, and good things are ahead. It’s just part of who I am not to give in to sadness and tears. Instead, I choose to smile and focus on finding solutions. Read more>>
Jilliana Raymond
For years I’ve learned to allow what I like to call “universal guidance” steer my life. Every time I think I know better than this “universal guidance” I seem to find myself in awkward situations. It’s taken a lot of practice to identify the subtle signals that the universe always provides us with but I’d like to think I’ve mastered the art of detection and defined my listening/feeling skills necessary to embrace the always optimal steerage. Read more>>
Fredericka Meek
Oh wow ok. I suppose my parents instilled a lot of that in me. They raised me to believe I could do absolutely anything I wanted. There’s a caveat here, though. I also was very optimistic because there were so many instances where I thought my parents weren’t. Stay with me here. My parents are baby boomers, and were very active during the civil rights movement. Read more>>
Nancy Johnson
I now realize somewhat from my Mother. I didn’t realize that piece until I interviewed her for a book compilation I am part of on Ageless living. Truly it started at a young age as I went through trials, going through pain, crying and seeking answers I found many mentors. My first one was Wayne Dyer. The first book of his I read was Erroneous Zones. It allowed me to move through those feelings and thoughts to better ones. Read more>>
Luis Moreno
My optimism draws from the hopeful anticipation that tomorrow holds the promise of a renewed beginning. A transformative event or the presence of someone influential, absent before, could potentially turn the impossible into the attainable. Read more>>
Talor Stone
If you knew my life story (like really and truly knew it), you’d probably be surprised to learn that I’m an optimist. In fact, I surprise myself with it most days! I began my adult life working in a challenging career field as a federal agent where I saw the worst of humanity daily. And then I managed to survive a horrifically abusive marriage despite all the odds being stacked against me. If, after all of this, I settled on a guarded or pessimistic view of the world, then I’m pretty sure that would be an understandable and forgivable outcome. Read more>>
George Janji
My background (Chiropractic) lead me to a list of 33 principles. The first one is called the Major Premise, and it reads, “A Universal Intelligence is in all matter and continually gives to it all its properties and actions, thus maintaining it in existence.” Read more>>
Sarayu and Katie Bellary and Chou
My (Sarayu) optimism comes from my personal belief that change is not only possible but inevitable. However, it’s true that maintaining optimism within the gun violence prevention movement can be incredibly challenging, particularly in the face of continued inaction from lawmakers and the persistent tragedy of preventable shootings. Read more>>
Michael Wolfe
My optimism is deeply rooted in my love for creative experimentation. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the process of trying new hobbies and passions. Each new experience presented an opportunity to explore new concepts through brainstorming and experimentation, which really showcased to me the fun and joy of thinking outside of the box. Even in moments of failure, I found solace in the knowledge that every challenge was just a stepping stone forwards in my journey. Read more>>
Nina Jackel
As an animal protection activist, optimism is a must for maintaining hope. I don’t think I could do this work without it, as the constant flow of animal cruelty cases can be tough to handle. To me, optimism comes from knowing that my actions are making a difference. When I see photos of the dogs, cats, cows, turkeys and other animals that my organization has helped heal, feed, and house, I internalize that there is goodness in the world beyond the pain that these animals once endured. Read more>>
Monica Montgomery
When I was younger, I used to be a pessimist. I would always think and prepare for the worst outcome which created so many negative thoughts daily. I would believe that situations would not work out and I use to have low standards. Read more>>
Arielle Peters
Everything about who I am is derived from what I believe. I believe that Jesus came and died on the cross for me so that despite all my short-comings and failures, I have hope in eternity with Him. When I’ve been at my very lowest like my miscarriage in 2017, or losing my father suddenly at 28, I have known the hope ahead of me. Read more>>
Christina Shifflett
My sense of optimism comes from my father mostly. I have a slightly non-traditional background in that I was raised in a different country and homeschooled for the time that I was there. As some teenagers experience, I was not content with the general environment that I was growing up in. Read more>>
Yana
It certaiinly comes from my father. As a kid I was a huge pesimist and he kept telling me not to take the life so seriously. I have no idea where and when it clicked in my head but it did and these days I am enjoying life much more with the positive outlook on things. Even when things are tough I always try to see the brighter side, have the belief in better outcome. Read more>>
