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.

William Burnett

I believe my optimism comes from my faith in God. In my young adult years, I have truly seen how God can move in my life and it is the greatest thing. The past few months were rather difficult for me. Among other struggles of my last semester of college, I lost my grandmother in March. At first, I was so upset. Why would this happen right now? What did I do to deserve all of this right now? Although I was devastated, I knew that there was something greater in all of this. Read More>>

Zak Jourdeans

I have always looked at the glass half full. I come from a background with a lot of challenges that I had to overcome and at times it seemed like there was nothing to be grateful for or nothing positive happen, but I always forced myself to see the bigger picture and find the positive in every situation. Over the years it is something that has become automatic and not anything I think about. I am very thankful for the life I am living and a huge reason why is because of the challenges I have faced over the years and how that developed me as a man, leader, and significant other. Read More>>

Eric Lee

My optimism comes from a place NEED and not WANTS. I was born into an environment where i had to navigate through trials and tribulations and overcoming obstacles always keeping in mind that in any way shape form or fashion that there is always better and to also water your grass where its purposeful. Read More>>

Raush Salhi

Honestly, my optimism isn’t just a mood – it’s pretty deeply wired into me, coming from a couple of key places.

First off, my upbringing was a huge factor. My dad’s an immigrant, and his entire life has been this incredible testament to taking chances, building things from the ground up, and constantly exploring new possibilities. He hammered home this idea that you genuinely have nothing to lose by just trying. While I never set out to be an “entrepreneur,” that spirit of pushing boundaries and seeing opportunity became a natural, almost instinctive part of who I am. Read More>>

Katrina Murphy

My optimism is rooted in my faith, fueled by motherhood, and constantly renewed through the journey of building For Madeline Candle Company — a brand born out of love, legacy, and light.

After being laid off, I had a choice: sit in the setback or lean into something meaningful. I chose to pour my heart into candles — a small project I had started with my daughter, Kasey, whose middle name is Madeline. What began at our kitchen table turned into a brand that’s now lighting up homes and hearts all over. We don’t just call it a business — we call it a community. We lovingly refer to ourselves as The Flames — because every one of us carries light. Read More>>

Jennifer

I have always been a glass-is-half-full type of person. I feel my optimism comes from my mindset of abundance. There is opportunity everywhere, and the only thing standing in our way is ourselves. While others may see hurdles in their way, I see opportunities for growth, adventure, and experiences. No one is perfect, so I give the benefit of the doubt and choose to hope for the best. I allow people’s decisions and actions to inform whether they are a fit or not. Read More>>

Julie Walton Garland

My optimism comes from a deep believe that challenges can lead to growth and that there’s always something to learn or be grateful for – even in the hard moments. I’ve seen time and time again that things have a way of working out, especially when you stay focused, be kind and keep showing up. That perspective helps me stay hopeful, even when the path isn’t clear. Read More>>

Marcus Moore

My optimism comes from the things I’ve overcome and achieved in life. I learned at an early age that life is better when you keep a positive outlook on life as perception is key. Focusing on the negatives in the world will only drag your energy into the same pit of darkness this world and some people bring to it. Whereas focusing on the light and positives of this world bring levity, and a good energy to the soul.  Read More>>

Joseph Fagarazzi

From my early childhood to my young adulthood days, I was often reminded by my father of his rejections and telling me that from the day I was being born I was to him his biggest mistake that ruined his adolescence years. My mother was 17 years of age when she conceived me and my father was 20 years old and understood I had always remained a thorn in his side. Read More>>

Brielle Seeley

Where does my optimism come from?

My optimism didn’t come from ease, it was forged through heartbreak, solitude, and the decision to finally choose me.

For over a decade, I found myself in relationships where I gave everything to others, their needs, their dreams, their families while leaving nothing for myself. I was so used to giving that I forgot how to receive. I believed happiness meant following the path I’d been conditioned to want: get married, have kids, build a life rooted in stability.  Read More>>

Sarah Green

Pessimism dug deep, ingrained roots in my soul as a young girl. As the fifth of six girls from a broken family, I easily felt unheard and only gleaned that life was a struggle, sad, or better for others. My thoughts consisted of “this is too much” or “I am too much,” and I claimed “poor me” like it was a proud badge to wear. Read More>>

Geoffrey Darwent

My optimism comes from a spark within me that I’ve come to recognize as *Hope*. It has been my quiet companion through life’s most difficult moments—a tool that’s guided me when everything else felt uncertain. For as long as I can remember, I’ve wrestled with the feeling of not quite fitting in. And yet, this ongoing personal struggle has also been a source of motivation fuelling a deeper desire to create something meaningful, not just for myself but for others navigating similar paths. Read More>>

David Duong

My optimism is rooted in a deep belief that I can accomplish anything I commit myself to, a mindset I’ve always been driven by. What fuels me even more is being surrounded by passionate, purpose-driven people. Their energy and intentionality is contagious, and it keeps me inspired every day. Read More>>

Raditia Lasry

I love this question because I never realized how easily this came for me until I had conversations with people about the weather and other inconvenient circumstances, where I saw a silver lining. My optimism comes from my upbringing. My mom and dad both had a very positive way of looking at things and coping with everyday challenges, illnesses, and my dad’s passing. Read More>>

Sara Welch

For me, optimism is a practiced perspective. It’s not about pretending everything is fine—it’s learning to shift from “I don’t think I can” to “I don’t know unless I try.” It’s the belief that something better might be possible, even if you’re not sure what that looks like yet.

I see that belief reinforced in small ways every day: noticing the flowers on a walk with my dog, feeling at peace in the mountains, sitting at the dinner table with my family. Read More>>

Angela Stubbs

I think optimism is a mindset. I approach all things in my life from the POV that all things are possible. Some might call that being optimistic, but it’s a choice. At a young age, I was forced to deal with a lot of health challenges and at the time, they felt overwhelming. Over the years, I’ve learned for the most part, we determine the outcome of things based on our expectations. If we expect things to turn our poorly, they often do. Read More>>

Alejandro Ruiz

I get my optimism from knowing every day is a new day for a better opportunity. I read this Japanese book called Ikigai, which is about finding a meaning to live, I found that everyday is a new adventure a new experience. Reading that book made me develop and change as an artist a lot, stressing from what I would create each day. Read More>> 

Darce Leone

Gratitude. Most people either don’t have the resources or the confidence to pursue their wildest dreams.

I’m the small amount of people that live in one of the greatest areas in the world, be surrounded by art, and have the means to pursue music. Read More>>

Jacob Sentowski

Honestly, my optimism is deeply rooted in the stories I grew up with—particularly movies and superheroes. It may sound a bit unconventional, but those narratives remind me of the resilience people can show in the face of adversity. When I reflect on the challenges others have overcome, it puts things into perspective and fuels my drive to keep pushing forward. I truly believe that things do get better, and when they do, the hard work and perseverance will all be worth it. Read More>>

Lisa Loomis

My optimism and hope come from my belief that all things being equal, at least 50% of people will do the right thing (for other people) at least 50% of the time. That’s not a hugely high bar, but it is one way I keep myself hopeful. I need to believe, and see, that most people will do the right thing for the right reasons most of the time. And I think they will and I think they want to. I also find great solace in the world around me, the birds singing impossibly early in May and June, my first sip of coffee watching the sunrise, the bright, biting crisp taste of 19 degree air in my lungs in the winter. Read More>>

Melinda Burrell

I’m naturally optimistic, always seeing the best side of a situation or a person. However, this attitude was challenged once I started working in Bosnia-Herzegovina after their civil war. I was in my late twenties and newly managing a team in an environment in which many people were pursuing agendas of personal gain. After a few months, I realized I had become suspicious of everyone. I didn’t like this jaded version of myself, so I made a conscious decision to return to my former, trusting ways. I flipped a switch and was at peace with myself again – with no bad consequences. Read More>>

Dead Dread

My optimism is rooted in the stories I immerse myself in and the people I surround myself with. I draw a lot of strength from the worlds of video games, comics, manga, and anime — they’ve always offered me more than just entertainment. They’ve taught me about resilience, transformation, and the power of belief, even in the darkest moments. Read More>>

Mona Seresht

I’ve always carried this quiet drive to build something bigger than what I came from. My parents immigrated to this country and started from scratch, working tirelessly to create a better life. I didn’t grow up with generational wealth to fall back on, but what I did grow up with was a front row seat to what hard work and sacrifice look like. That’s stayed with me, and it’s shaped the way I see the world and move through it. Read More>>

Heather Ervin

My mom taught me to always be optimistic. She’s was the biggest cheerleader and source of encouragement throughout my life. When things didn’t go my way or were difficult. she found the silver lining. She lead by example and I am grateful to have been so lucky. Read More>>

Molly McGrath

I think my optimism might be genetic. I’ve always had a high set point for positivity—which might surprise people, because I’m no Elle Woods. You won’t catch me bouncing into a room in pink stilettos riding a tidal wave of confidence.

My optimism doesn’t come from cheerleading—it comes from evidence. I’ve led teams through brand overhauls, built systems from scratch, and rewritten entire menus to make things work better. I’ve seen people transform their health one meal at a time. I’ve watched runners hit PRs by showing up, one workout at a time. That’s what fuels me. Read More>>

MORGAN Schultz

My optimism is deeply rooted in my trust in God – the Divine. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and unfolds with purpose. Every experience we have is connected, each moment weaves into the next. Life, at its core, is a dance of duality. It’s through the depths of sadness that we come to fully appreciate the joy and happiness. You cannot truly feel happiness without having known sadness. They co-exist together, you cannot have one without the other. Read More>>

Elsa Zamora

My family and friends always encourage me to work harder in my business. Without them, I would not know what to do, they are my strength and motivation to work harder. Read More>>

Jeffrey Quizhpi

My optimism comes from a belief that challenges no matter how tough always carry the potential for growth. I don’t ignore reality or pretend things are easy, but I’ve learned to look for the possibility within the problem. Even in uncertainty, there’s a chance to learn, pivot, or come out stronger.

What makes me optimistic is the way I’ve seen myself adapt over time. I’ve overcome obstacles, made progress, and figured things out when I didn’t have all the answers. That history gives me confidence not that everything will be perfect, but that I’ll handle whatever comes next. Read More>>

DAYLO (Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization)

[In this interview, DAYLO is represented by Becca Bennett, president of the Beaufort Academy chapter of DAYLO, and E Achurch, founding president of The Complete Student chapter of DAYLO. Both are rising high school juniors.]

Becca: For me, optimism comes from understanding our history in general, because there have always been cycles of tyranny and authoritarian regimes that aim to snuff out the goodness, diversity, and uniqueness of humanity in order to control and confine people. Read More>>

Vince Freeman

I’ve always been known as a joyful person. Before I was born, a minister prophesied that I would bring laughter into the world, so my parents gave me the middle name Isaac, which means “he will laugh.” Optimism has felt natural ever since.

But joy is different. It’s deeper. It’s not a mood, it’s a decision. Read More>>

Lori Palen

“The worst they can say is ‘no.’”

I don’t know where I first heard this. Maybe my mom? But it’s the foundation for my complete absence of fear in asking for what I want.

Seeking out opportunities to publish my writing and art. Asking out boys I liked. Applying to college and grad school. Asking strangers for guidance on everything from my career to family medical issues. And now, as part of my business, approaching potential clients about supporting their work. Read More>>

Aerin Sizelove

When I was just a child, I always felt very optimistic. I had big dreams and was a bit of a daydreamer. Honestly, I’ve faced struggles in my life and have become pessimistic at times. When I did, nothing went well—it was sort of a self-fulfilling prophecy, whereas optimism tends to have a positive effect. Read More>>

Dannie Carreon

Growing up, not having much, made me unconsciously grateful for things when they do come to me. Those struggles in my childhood and adolescence made me empathetic to people less fortunate, which somehow makes me be genuinely optimistic in life. Read More>>

Mandy

It can be so challenging to be optimistic these days, especially if you spend more than 30 seconds reading the news. I’m Palestinian, so I feel weariness with the state of the world in my bones. Every day, I wonder how the U.S. can continue funding the genocide of my people and manufacturing the bombs Israel uses to murder and maim hundreds of thousands of my people. I have a natural tendency toward optimism, but the past two years have really tested my ability to remain optimistic in the face of so much devastation. Read More>>

Taylor Sowa

My optimism comes from my faith, my experiences, and the people I love. I’ve seen beauty grow from hard seasons, and that’s taught me to trust that good things are always possible, even in the mess. Being a mom, loving Jesus, and having a deep appreciation for nature and life’s little joys all help me focus on hope instead of fear. Even when things feel uncertain, I believe there’s purpose in it, and that belief keeps me grounded and optimistic. Read More>>

Michelle Bond

My optimism comes from a choice I’ve made to live in a constant state of gratitude. I try to stay present and grounded by appreciating the path I’m on, and by noticing the everyday moments and opportunities life offers. This mindset helps me face challenges calmly, without overthinking or getting ahead of myself. Read More>>