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?

Kesean Lattier

Great question. I’m a very optimistic person but it was not something that I recognized within myself until later in my teenage years. I use to be more on the pessimistic side and seeing the negative in things more than anything. It would consume me. It was something that I could never understand until I just decided that I did not want to feel that way anymore.  Read more>>

Noah benShea

Many people think that if you want to meet a person of faith, you would find that person in a member of the “cloth,” a priest, a rabbi, a sadhu. But in my experience if you want to meet a person of faith, meet an artist. To live an artist’s life requires a life of faith. A little earlier in this interview, I described myself as a poet.  Read more>>

Barbara Heller

Ever since I was a toddler I looked for the sunlight through the curtains in my cold Long Island split level house. I have always been drawn to light and creative spiritual things. I collected miniatures as a kid and still do! I knew the name of every Muppet in Jim Henson’s creature shop and to this day I can’t watch violent or sexually explicit content. Read more>>

Jerome Shuler

My optimism comes from my faith in humanity. If I exist and others like me exist, I know humanity has a chance. I know that as a collective we’re more than violence, hate and greed. I know as individuals we have room to grow together and the potential of that future motivates me to do my part. Read more>>

Brad Bohn

The number one thing that has helped me with my optimism is my faith. I belong to The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints. I was taught very early on by my parents to believe in Christ and a loving Heavenly Father and that there is more than just this life. Knowing this has helped me overcome every obstacle I have encountered. Answers to prayers and little miracles have only bolstered my faith. My favorite scripture comes from The Book of Mormon in Ether 12:4. Read more>>

 JaaLa

According to KeKe Palmer, “It’s God baby!.. God!” lol! But seriously, it really is God and the relationship I have with Him (Father, Son, & The Holy Spirit) and the track record He has of coming through Every…. Single… Time!!! (Insert praise dance here!) And because of the time I’ve spent with Him through church, ministry work, Bible study, and my quiet time with Him, I know too much about His goodness to NOT be optimistic. This isn’t to say that I don’t have difficult times and moments where my mind plays tricks on me and I have to fight to remain optimistic in certain situations. Read more>>

Lori Ann Peniston

I attribute my optimism to God’s benevolence and guidance. When faced with difficulties, I draw strength from God, I pray and trust that Jesus will show me the way. I often perceive setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning, trusting that God has a purpose for every experience. This perspective fosters resilience, optimism and trust. I see both failure and success as integral components of my journey. Read more>>

Karen Carnabucci

I am not completely sure where my optimism comes from. I certainly have felt discouraged at times, and sometimes the discouragement has bordered on despair. The good news, however, is that I don’t stay there long – I am somehow able to draw myself away from discouragement and into hope and optimism. Read more>>

Mariela Romero

My optimism stems from a combination of life experiences and a personal commitment to positive thinking. Overcoming challenges has reinforced my belief in positive outcomes, even in the face of adversity. I practice a philosophy guided by curiosity, conveying gratitude, and connection, which I call the way of the ‘7 C’s.’ This approach helps me and others see the good in situations and in people.  Read more>>

Naomi Ayende

My optimism come believe it or not from years of doubting myself. But I always like to say there will be a light at the end of a tunnel and also when one door close another opens. I’m a firm believer that things need to pass when there are supposed to happen and what I do is I just have to put it on the universe and pray for it. But most important work for it. Read more>>

Heather Smith

As a photographer and a producer, I have been commissioned to tell people’s and brands stories. It is a joy and privilege to be a part of documenting some of the most incredible and special parts of their lives and journeys. I started out in wedding photography, like several photographers do. Weddings are for most people, the most important and special days of their lives, and the couple has asked you to capture this day.  Read more>>

Khan Turgut

As a Muslim person, I can confirm that my motivation really comes from Allah (god in Arabic). As an entrepreneur who started her business around 1,5 years ago, I can definitely say that it really isn’t that easy to continue. It really isn’t that easy to stay alive in this industry as an independent label. Whenever I feel like giving up, He really inspires me and really gives me a reality check! So, long story short, my optimism comes from Allah and Islam. Read more>>

James Garcia

It seems like optimism is one of those personality traits that’s often thrown around as a way to label people without really understanding what it means. As business leaders, I think it’s one of the most essential traits to be able to weather the constant storm that is owning, or even managing a business, without going into a tailspin. But it seems the misunderstanding often lies in the belief that it comes from a place of ignorance or naivety to the circumstances around you. Read more>>

Leah Gilbertson

I am a huge advocate for maintaining a positive outlook and seeking joy in every aspect of life, including my professional endeavors. While I am fortunate to have a job that aligns with my passions, I recognize that every role comes with its challenges. However, I firmly believe that the way we perceive and approach these challenges significantly impacts our overall satisfaction and success. Read more>>

Donny Hammonds

I try to be a very positive and uplifting person. Whether it’s by my actions, my words that I speak or the way I treat others. I’m thankful for each day the Good Lord Gives me and I never take anything for granted because I know it can gone or taken at anytime. Somewhere in the world, there is another individual and folks who has worse situations than others so I try to be optimistic in all things and realize that everyone has battles and things we face in life.  Read more>>

Haley Brown

Growing up, I was always the playful one in the room. I yearned for smiles and joy when it was not present. My optimism has impacted my personality throughout my life. In school, I would be unaware of the smile on my face sitting at my desk until someone would ask me why I was smiling. I couldn’t provide an answer simply because there was not a specific reason why I was happy. It was an abundance of things.  Read more>>

Reverend Doctor

That’s a great question! Reverend Doctor is rooted in the concept of ‘joy as an enduring promise.’ It can be summed up in the Maya Angelou poem “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”; the idea that even in our darkest day there can be a song of joy in our heart worth singing. In the Black American tradition, the stories we tell ourselves about our heroes aren’t shiny tales of victory where people live happily ever-after. Read more>>

Kati Arikoski-Johnson

A Reflection by Kati, Founder of Triple Step Studios www.triplestepstudios.com For me, optimism has been a driving force behind my work as the founder of Triple Step Studios, a non-profit swing dance studio dedicated to fostering joy and community through dance.
My unwavering optimism stems from a deep-seated belief in the power of human connection and the transformative potential of dance. I believe that when people come together to share a common passion, something magical happens. Read more>>

Dr. Cortney Baker

My optimism comes from knowing I’m a child of God. I grew up taking care of my sister, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when I was 12 and she was 16. I bathe her. I fed her. I helped her walk and talk. She passed away when I was 16, but she always said I was the wind beneath her wings. Read more>>

Jasmine Banks

My optimism definitely has derived from my ability to face and navigate serious life challenges. Since I was a child, there has been continued bouts of sickness and death on both sides of my family. To have to experience and process the fear and pain associated with that is extremely difficult; especially for young person.  Read more>>

Adam Amoedo

My optimism comes from my mindfulness and meditation practice. Working in music, it’s very common to consistently face rejection or setbacks. You have to be able to adapt. Before the pandemic, I was in New York City, in sessions nearly every day working with artists, producing and engineering. After things started to shut down, I had to pivot. Read more>>

Dantes

The aversion of nihilism stems from my belief that human beings are not cosmic accidents. We are the product of an indescribable force, given reason and purpose. Read more>>

Tiona Savage

My optimism is fueled by a few different things: 1) my unwavering belief that God is in control and everything happens exactly as it’s supposed to happen. Read more>>

Domonique Cooper

Being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis helped to develop my optimism. The diagnosis allowed me to see life, opportunities, circumstances, and people differently. Read more>>

Hologram Empire

Playing in a band is cool because you can get away from every day life and spend time making music with cool people. It keeps us very optimistic. Read more>>

Brandi Banks

Juice Snob is a mobile juice bar in Atlanta that specializes in delicious, nutrient-dense supplements that support the health and wellness goals of people who are pressed for time. Led by a vegetarian of nearly 20 years, we know the power of fruits and veggies and have an affinity for sharing the veggie love! Read more>>