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.

Andrea Coleman

When I was struggling with an eating disorder in high school and college, there were days when I couldn’t imagine a different life. Yet through therapy and support, I found my way to recovery. Everything I cherish now—my marriage, my children, my friendships, my work, my inner peace—exists because healing was possible for me. Read more>>

 Adria Tennor

My optimism was forged through necessity. Growing up my father fought with depression. I instinctively took on the role of finding silver linings to help lift his spirits. What began as a child’s survival mechanism evolved into a core part of my identity. Later, as an actor facing constant rejection, I learned to transform each ‘no’ into a ‘not right now’—not from naive wishful thinking, but from a hard-won understanding that persistence and perspective are everything.  Read more>>

Ty Wears

My optimism comes from the many life challenges I’ve faced starting as a young boy as well as my natural mindset. As a young teenager I knew I wanted to be my own boss and own my own business. In first grade I was held back for having difficulty reading. In middle school & high school I excelled at sports and subjects involving creativity while struggling academically getting C’s & D’s in most classes such has history, math, reading and writing. Although it took me 5 years to get a 4 year college degree I graduated on the Dean’s list from Franklin University in Columbus Ohio with a degree in Finance. The next 12 years I was in sales. As much as I liked sales in those 12 years I probably worked for 8 different companies in 4 to 5 different industries. From age 34 to 40 multiple life changing events occurred. I got married. I quit sales and started driving semi’s. I got divorced. I quit driving truck and started selling cars. I always wanted to sell cars because of my passion for cars. In January of 2009 I was the top salesman out of 3 dealerships and 30 sales people. In February of 2009 I was number 2. Less than 6 months later the economy was very poor and I was fired. That was the 2nd and last time I was fired from a job. And I started on my self-employed journey. Having said all that the most life changing thing that happened shortly after getting divorced was my counselor / psychologist helping me recover from my divorced diagnosed me with ADD or Attention Deficit Disorder. Known today as ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and I started taking Ritalin. Read more>>

David Hamilton

Probably naïveté. And just the fact that I enjoy being around positive people, so I try to put that out there as much as I can.
No one wants to be around Debbie Downer. Unless it’s the Saturday Night Live sketch. Then she’s hilarious. Read more>>

Xavier Dalencour

My optimism comes from resilience—the unshakable belief that creativity is a force of resistance. Growing up in Haiti, I was immersed in an environment where art, music, and intellectual discourse were always present, yet I resisted the idea of becoming an artist. I thought my path was elsewhere, in the corporate world. But art never let me go. It was always there, taking root deeper and deeper, waiting for me to fully embrace it. Read more>>

Margoth Barrera

Great question! I think my optimism is rooted in a blend of gratitude, faith in God, mindset, and a sense of humor. It is focusing on what you have instead of what you lack. I believe that optimism is not a denial of life’s difficulties but rather a choice to approach any challenges with the belief that better days await. Read more>>

Stanley Fletcher

My optimism comes from a combination of faith, purpose, and perspective. First and foremost, my faith in God gives me a foundation of hope and trust that everything happens for a reason, even when the path forward isn’t clear. It reminds me that challenges are opportunities in disguise, and that perseverance will always lead to growth. Read more>>

Mateo Coka

My optimism is something that I really treasure and at times I view it like a sword. I have to share that my optimism is not just my own. At times, my mind and my heart become very weak, which makes life very difficult when troubles arise. I am a person of faith, it’s part of my story, and it is who I am. My optimism comes from trusting in God, knowing that He is in control, and is the provider of all things. Read more>>

Dr. Arianne Missimer

’ve faced my fair share of adversity—losing my brother, battling cancer, and navigating life’s unexpected turns. But I realized early on that while I couldn’t always control what happened to me, I could control my response. Optimism isn’t about ignoring hardships—it’s about acknowledging them and still believing in possibility. During cancer treatment, I trained for American Ninja Warrior because I refused to let my circumstances define me. That mindset of resilience and growth has shaped everything I do today. Read more>>

Ashley Zapata

My optimism is deeply rooted in the legacy of those who came before me—my ancestors, my family, and the trailblazers who carved paths where none existed. I carry their resilience with me, knowing that the barriers I face today are ones they, too, encountered in different forms. Yet, they pressed on, believing in something greater, in a future where their sacrifices would not be in vain. Read more>>