Unlocking Optimism: Stories & Insights

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?

Viktor Drago

My generosity comes from a combination of personal experiences, values instilled by my family, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Growing up, I saw my parents consistently go out of their way to help friends, neighbors, and even strangers, which taught me the importance of kindness and selflessness. Read more>>

Margo Tantau

I feel very lucky to say that I grew up with a positive outlook, which has profoundly shaped who I am today. From a young age, I was encouraged to see challenges as opportunities, a mindset instilled by supportive parents and mentors. My parents have been a consistent positive in my life. Married for over 60 years, they have always shown their kids what hard work, an optimistic attitude, and perseverance will bring. Read more>>

Jarod Farina

Throughout my upbringing, I was privileged to have a strong and positive support system in my parents. My mother and father always emphasized the brighter side of life and continually encouraged me to pursue all my dreams, no matter how ambitious. Read more>>

A.A PRESTIGE CHAMPAGNE

My optimism comes from the fact that I did not have an easy childhood and this pushed me not to let myself be defeated by the trials of life that I had but rather to face them and emerge victorious. Read more>>

Thomas McClure

Optimism is more than just a superficial, forced positivity. It’s a mindset rooted in reality and personal values. I’ve seen too many people put up a fake front when trying to sell something, and it shows – their energy doesn’t match their words or body language. Read more>>

Dani Rose M.C.H.

Optimism is the lifeblood of my business, Unicorn Wings & Amazing Things, and it springs from several deep wells of inspiration and experience. Firstly, my belief in the magic of weddings fuels my positive outlook. Every couple’s love story is unique and enchanting, and being part of their special day fills me with joy and a sense of purpose. Seeing the smiles and tears of happiness when everything comes together beautifully is incredibly rewarding. Read more>>

Jory Neff

I find my optimism comes from investing in others. As an educator, I work with students primarily from economically challenged backgrounds. I know that there is a lot of despair surrounding education right now, but what I see in my classroom is a source of inspiration for me.  Read more>>

Janet Bothne

Partly it comes from having wonderful love and support throughout my life and the ability to always “land on my feet” even during times of difficulty. I didn’t grow up with much, but my mother did what she could to make sure my sisters and I had what we needed to feel a sense of normalcy (…in our tiny attic apartment that sometimes didn’t have heat or hot water in New England winters.) Surviving those times gave me an underlying faith that things will be okay. Read more>>

Anna Rezan

Some people are optimistic by nature, but many of us learn optimism as well. Anyone can learn to be optimistic — the trick is to find purpose in work and life,.When we work with purpose or live with purpose, we feel more fulfilled and better equipped to see the glass ‘half full.’I believe my optimism comes from logic. Believing that things can go well if we do try our best and do good when we can…seems to me like a realistic concept. Read more>>

Farida Amar

As a realist by nature, I am inherently drawn to creative and optimistic individuals, and I intentionally surround myself with them. Optimistic individuals often emerge as exceptional visionaries, and it is crucial that they align with practical realists who can support, actualize, and implement their ideas. When an optimist can place deep trust in a realist who shares their passion for potential, a powerful synergy emerges. Read more>>

Cynthia Sassi

I have always been an optimistic person out of necessity. My childhood was not easy and we had very little, so being optimistic and positive is what helped me get through that and believe there was something better ahead for me. While I am very much a realist, I see no benefit in being pessimistic or negative.  Read more>>

Haley Kirk

There are plenty of days that I’m searching for my optimism. As a small business owner, specifically the owner of a restaurant, there are plenty of things that don’t go as planned every single day. As someone who likes to control and prepare for what is ahead, owning and operating a restaurant can make that very difficult at times. Read more>>

Shannon Wilkinson

My optimism results from positive expectations, and the belief that anything is achievable with persistence and an action plan. If you believe you will fail, you will. Read more>>

Makayla Askew

This question always makes me laugh. People often ask me, “Why are you so positive?” and my answer is simple: It’s a choice. I’ve noticed that during times when I focused on negativity, life became miserable and sad. Being upbeat feels better and makes life more enjoyable. I embrace childlike wonder and allow myself to be silly because it makes life easier when you focus on what you’re grateful for. Read more>>

Gabriella Picone

I have always been more of a realist than an optimist but ever since starting my own business it has forced me to become more optimistic. There are so many challenges and obstacles to overcome when running a small studio that it’s very important to keep a positive outlook to achieve your goals. Read more>>

ANGELA BOLAÑOS

My optimism comes from generally living in a state of gratefulness. As I keep growing into my life and learning how tough the road can get, I am constantly reminded, through my personal relationships and just being part of a wonderful community, how each and everyone of us is constantly supported and helped by people who often have nothing to gain by doing so, human generosity feeds my optimism. Read more>>

Samantha Bell

My optimism is something I was born with. From the time I was a child, I always had an over excited view of what the world is and what it could be. As I grew up, my parents tried to warn me by saying “You can’t live in a Barney world.” Read more>>

Youtian Duan

My optimism stems from a deep-seated belief in perseverance and effort. I’ve learned that if I genuinely desire something and dedicate myself fully to achieving it, I will eventually succeed. If I don’t reach my goal, I view it as an indication that I need to try harder or adjust my approach. This mindset keeps me motivated and hopeful, knowing that effort and determination are key to achieving my aspirations. Read more>>

Laurel Robert-Meese

The human mind is incredibly resilient. This is true both literally and figuratively; just as our brain can heal from traumatic injuries, so can we heal emotionally from traumas big and small. As a trauma therapist, I’ve seen it happen many times. The thing that creates so much agony and fear can be neutralized. Read more>>

Katerina Morris

My optimism comes from my life experiences and my decision to see things in a positive light. I’ve found that by choosing to focus on the good in every situation, life becomes easier and more enjoyable. This mindset has taught me resilience and helped me find strength even in challenging times. It’s a simple yet powerful approach that has made a significant difference in my life. Read more>>

Katia Plotnikoff

You know, I really don’t know where it comes from but I am so grateful it’s there! I think I’m generally a very optimistic person (maybe even a bit delusional sometimes) but it’s gotten me through some pretty challenging times. I guess it’s kind of like my base line, and then on days and times I find myself in really challenging situations – those are the times I need to choose to be positive and remember that things will work out, or at least change. Read more>>

Chahn Sung

Watching the movie “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once” multiple times has been a life-changing experience for me. I’ve always teetered between optimism and pessimism, and like everyone else, I struggled to stay positive during tough times. The movie taught me an important lesson about life: it’s a balance between nihilism and optimism. Read more>>

Kevin Lam

There are many different possibilities as to where my optimism comes from, which I still haven’t been able to pinpoint. Sometimes I believe it’s because of some sort ego or pride, sometimes I believe it’s because I’ have to set an example, and sometimes I even think that it’s a by-product of my ADHD; although I don’t really like to credit it as such. Read more>>

Shay Trendy

An intriguing story, a dynamic personalities, and a passion for the city’s music and lifestyle, charismatic individuals and their chance to shine! This exciting new reality series promises drama, passion, and a unique glimpse into the lives of those navigating Love in City. Read more>>

Dante Bacote

I would say my optimism for life dawned on me at a young age through observation. Seeing my parents go through all types adversity; from social constructs implemented before their birth to modern situations and conditions this world struggles to shift from to this day.  Read more>>

Eric Dernick

My optimism stems from a combination of factors, including my innate belief in the resilience and potential of individuals and societies, as well as my observations of human nature and the world around me. I see life as presenting us with choices, and I believe that our perspective and actions shape our experiences. Read more>>

Caroline Breder-Watts

My optimism springs from the firm belief that there are more good people in the world than bad. I have juggled many careers, tasks and family issues over the years, and have been presented with many challenges.  Read more>>

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