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.
Milica (Mili) Ristic
My optimism was instilled in me from a young age, thanks to my father. A defining moment was when our country was bombed without warning. I was 12, playing outside, when I saw neighbors frantically packing to flee. Read more>>
Matt Ryan
In life, one has to truly believe everything happens for a reason! Once you accept that and be grateful for the good and bad, life becomes a lot greener. Read more>>
MMP PRODUCTION M/A
optimism is something innate, to be more precise I have been like that since I was little, and that helped me a lot for the creation of my label called MMP PRODUCTION M/A. Read more>>
Tracy Woodard
Atlanta has such a vibrant arts scene, that encourages musicians to access a variety of small spaces. When I was young (I started cello at age 5, choir at 6, piano at 8, and eventually landed on violin at 10), all my musical experiences were in tall spaces, i.e. concert halls or churches, which often felt cold or academic. Read more>>
Chantelle Brizzee
Funny enough, I used to be a really pessimistic person. I’m still sometimes caught off-guard when people tell me how much they appreciate my optimism — I think it comes from a place of necessity. For so many years, I operated from a place of lacking. It did not serve me well, and I was a pretty bitter person who always felt the victim. Read more>>
Cassie Rhoda
Despite the hardships faced in my life, my faith in Jesus brings me hope for a better future. When I keep my eyes focused on true hope, then fear fades away. I can go into the next day expectant of purpose and peace instead of dreading the possibility of turmoil. Hope brings optimism. Read more>>
Nicholas Guerrero
Honestly it comes from inner peace which almost sounds counterintuitive in some type of way, especially as an artist! I think it’s taken a while for me to find balance in that but thats all life is really is balance. Being an artist is problem solving and working to with letting go of attachment and knowing that in every “bad” situation comes a new form of craft and really there is no such thing as a bad experience (in some cases maybe). Read more>>
Danni Ma
At MIS Baby, our optimism is deeply rooted in the belief that the world can always be a better place, especially for our children. Our optimism stems from our unwavering commitment to fostering creativity, imagination, and joy in the lives of children and their families. Read more>>
Aaron Slotkin
I would say my level of optimism comes from multiple sources. One is that I try to constantly keep in mind that we now live in a world full of possibilities and opportunities, thanks to the society we live in and the technology we now possess. Read more>>
Sherry Kear
I think my optimism stems or comes from my purpose. I believe I was meant to motivate /pep people up and give them a change of perspective. I’ve been told It just comes naturally. Realize the strength they didn’t know they had. Sometimes it’s through entertaining. More often it’s just being empathetic and tuned into the energy around you. Read more>>
Toni Haas
My optimism comes from my upbringing and seeing the best in everything, without expectations. I had amazing role models growing up such as my parents, siblings, and teachers. Optimism determines how you relate to others and handle the day-to-day challenges of life. Read more>>
Kostas Siozos
People often say be realistic. I don’t want to be realistic, I like to say I am a dreamer. But I am a dreamer who makes his dreams come true. I really believe our world is a great place and it’s not how the media presents it. I know that there are a lot of things going on right now, but I always like to see the good stuff that are also happening. Read more>>
Andy Daro
Optimism comes from the way in which we decide the view the world. I’ve always tried to view the glass as half full, to see the best in people, and to believe that the best outcome will materialize. Read more>>
Charlie Woods
First, trust in yourself. Knowing your skills, strengths, and weaknesses allows you to surpass the limits you think you have. Setting short-term goals helps shape the overall vision of what you expect in life. For example, recently my goal was to re-establish my name as a DJ in Miami, not only by playing at top restaurants but also by contributing to the local venues. Read more>>
Allen Dent
Growing up my parents always taught my sister and I to always look on the bright side in every scenario. Optimism is the sign of hope. When I first moved out to California 9 years ago, I struggled with the change for a few months. At first I wanted to give up because I was alone and so far away from my home in Georgia. Read more>>
Kristina Oganezz
My optimism comes from a deep sense of connection to God and the natural world around me. From a spiritual perspective, my belief in God gives me a sense of purpose and hope. I trust that there is a higher plan and that everything happens for a reason, even if it’s not immediately clear to me. Read more>>
Reagan Marelle Begley
My optimism comes from the smallest possibility of one ordinary little girl’s dream becoming something extraordinary. A dream born out of a desire to create something meaningful, something that resonates with people and makes a positive impact on their lives. When I hear the word denim, I think of tradition. Read more>>
Jehoo Lee
I like exercising. I enjoy ending my day by walking or running with music. I’m not sure why, but walking helps me remember things better and plan for the next day more effectively. Read more>>
Kotta
I’m not entirely sure. I don’t always try to separate the negative from the positive, It seems that they are both a part of creation. I believe there is something we all care about more than what is easily separated into optimism or negativity. Read more>>
Matt Jenkins
my optimism comes from two sources. First, I love what I do. The process of making movies is highly fulfilling. Even if my last movie didn’t festival well, I am excited and ready to move on to make the next one. A second source of optimism is: I am privileged to work with a group of people who share my vision and enjoy the process of production. Read more>>
Dace Kidd
As a professional artist I feel very lucky and privileged that I can pay my bills by doing what is my passion and I enjoy most. I am very self aware and reminded every day how difficult it is to be a creator and make your means at the same time. I have to pinch myself every morning that I am not dreaming and I am one of the lucky ones and this is going to be a great day. Read more>>
Bauer Wann, Rupa Patel, Eleanor Trinh
Our optimism is fueled by the strong and supportive partnership we’ve cultivated as co-founders and friends. We are each others’ cheerleader for both small and significant achievements, while also ensuring accountability during challenges. Read more>>
Gabriel Chagas
Because of the nature of my work in the field of Global Black Studies, I draw my optimism from the resilience and boundless joy of Black communities, despite the numerous challenges. As a big fan of Langston Hughes’ literary legacy, his words echo the unyielding spirit that I see reflected in the improvisational brilliance of jazz, where every note is a testament to our ability to create beauty from pain. Music, particularly within the African Diaspora, is a lifeline, a sacred thread connecting us across time and space. Read more>>
Alvin Stampley III
My optimism is rooted in a belief, in the process of enduring and overcoming challenges. This trust acts as a foundation that supports me during difficult times. Whenever I am faced with ultimatums or emotionally challenging situations, I consciously choose to remember positive experiences. This practice helps me to counterbalance negative emotions. Read more>>
Erica Murphy
I believe my optimism comes from my faith in God and supportive friends to surround me with positivity, its what keeps me going. I’m going to be honest, staying optimistic can be hard at times, but when I catch myself thinking negatively, I allow myself to feel those feelings, journal it out, pray about it and let it go. Read more>>
Abe Gurko
Actually, I’d like to connect the dots between optimism and resilience. These are a couple of the attributes that my parents–who were Holocaust survivors–instilled in me. Hearing the stories of their traumatic experiences during the war reminded me that their strength is a superpower and am blessed with that DNA. Honoring their legacy has carried me through countless challenges and have made me the honorable person I am. Read more>>
Roy Dinges
My optimism comes from my upbringing. I am very thankful for a family that never complained or felt a victim when hard times came. My family was always a light when things seemed dark, they led by example. Read more>>
Tyler Esselman
Ah I like this one. Well I do consider myself an optimist, for sure. Part of that has to be because of how good I’ve had it in my life. I’m seriously lucky to have strong relationships with my family and a wide, diverse network of friends that I love deeply. Read more>>
Julia Kenyon
I draw my optimism from a deep sense of gratitude for everything around me. Social media often makes it seem like everyone else has a perfect life, but gratitude helps me stay focused on what truly matters. It’s the key to my happiness and perspective. Read more>>
Christine Lord
I believe that optimism is a choice. We all have heard the saying about the glass being half full or half empty. It truly is how you view it. I wasn’t always like this, but along the way I learned that I create my own reality. Read more>>
Drew Flores
My family. I have an incredible support system full of people who push me to be the best I can be. They are so proud of even my smallest steps and keep me crushing my big goals. I get to set those goals and accomplish them with confidence because of all those around me. Forever grateful. Read more>>
Jacqui Du Toit
From my gratitude for this life. Read more>>
Laura Eleanor Williams
I haven’t always been a glass half full type of person. It has been the many difficult situations I have endured that have grown my optimism. It is a lot easier for resilience to turn into jadedness than hopefulness. But the difference is everything. It is because I have had times when I could not imagine things getting better that I have so much hope for the future. I have felt hopeless and found the light again. Read more>>
Tyler Coleman
A very fair amount of questions i got to choose from. All very challenging in terms of what should be the one to choose. Optimism and where it comes from. For me? Optimism is the return, ground zero, the restart, whatever the hell you would like to call it, it is my “f*ck it, lets try this again.” No matter the day, the week, shit even the year (depending on the year) im always reminding myself that i can at least have one more of those, right? Read more>>
