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?
Lacey Nolan
I have always been an optimistic person, sometimes the annoying optimistic person. It is very easy to immediately think of the negative, and a long time ago I trained myself to go towards the opposite. Keeping a sense of optimism, especially in times of trial, help me through tough situations. I’ve always believed the old adage of “whether you think you are, or think you aren’t, you are right.” That not only goes for what you think of yourself, but situations you are in. By keeping a positive outlook, I strongly believe you can change the outcome. Read more>>
Tania Roa
As a climate justice advocate, I often feel exhausted from speaking out against harmful systems and practices, such as capitalism, colonialism, and racism. While I am grateful to be part of a community made up of thousands of people taking action, the climate crisis and social inequalities can feel overwhelming. However, this very community of advocates, activists, artists, policymakers, and more has taught me that optimism arises from unity. Read more>>
Athena Tasiopoulos
Optimism is something I’ve had to consciously work on cultivating. When I find myself in a precarious situation, my fears initially set off running until I make the effort to rein them in – I have to consciously make myself consider other outcomes. Read more>>
Rachel Longton
To say that I am optimistic 100% of the time would be a lie, as I have learned over time that to keep a positive attitude is to let yourself experience the low moments too. Accepting that we all deal with negative emotions and experiences, and allowing ourselves the time and energy to feel those feelings, helps to create room for more positive ones. Read more>>
Leeann Santos
My optimism comes from several places. First and foremost, I’m deeply passionate about my business, and that passion drives a positive outlook, even when things get tough. I’ve faced challenges before and succeeded, which gives me confidence that I can handle whatever comes next. I also have a strong support system—family, friends, and mentors—who provide reassurance and encouragement. Read more>>
Joey Newman
My optimism is deeply rooted in my upbringing and a steadfast belief that the glass is always half full. Life, nature, and people – all have an abundance to offer, with endless discoveries waiting to be made. I believe there is a silver lining in every situation if one is willing to look for it. As a child, I was always observant, preferring to evaluate situations before taking action. This cautious nature meant I rarely took risks or acted spontaneously. However, life’s challenges taught me the value of letting go and trusting the universe. Read more>>
Sofia Simpson
Every morning, I say a prayer to my Jesus, my Savior.
I ask that He be my eyes that I can see what He wants me to see.
Be my ears that I hear what He wants me to hear.
Be my mouth so I say what He wants me to say.
Be my hands so that I do and type what He wants me to.
Be my feet so I go where He wants me to go.
To cleanse my heart and mind that I might serve Him with my whole heart and mind. Read more>>
Lindsey Petersen
I believe optimism is crucial for achieving success and confidence. The older I become, the more I realize how profound your outlook and attitude is on your life. How you choose to react to situations and view the world, impacts so much of your mental health, self worth, resilience, drive, relationships, and so much more! Being an optimist isn’t about being out of touch with reality, but rather recognizing and embracing the good in every situation. Read more>>
Chewei Chang
My optimism comes from a few key sources that shape my philosophy on life. First and foremost, my family has always been incredibly supportive, instilling in me the belief that staying positive attracts good things. They’ve taught me that there are always good people out there, and if you’re willing to do for others, it will also come back around. This reciprocal kindness reinforces my positive outlook. Read more>>
Kentaro Saito
I am optimistic as long as I am working towards something.
I know that if I spend time on the effort, it will get me somewhere.
When I first entered the guitar school called G.I.T, at the age of 19, I probably was the worst guitarist in the whole program. Then I said, “Let me spend as much time practicing the instrument. I am the worst here and I am screwed now. If I spend time practicing, I might get somewhere, I might not, but if I don’t do it, I will have been screwed anyways. And I am still screwed, but I am less screwed than I used to be. Read more>>
Samantha Cook
My optimism comes from a mix of who I am and what I’ve experienced. I think part of it is just my natural outlook—I tend to see the good in situations and believe that things will work out. Over time, I’ve faced challenges and come through them, which has reinforced my belief that I can handle whatever life throws at me. Read more>>
Felicia Carpino
I believe that everything happens for a reason. I strongly trust that the universe has a plan for us and no matter what comes our way, there is always a reason for us to experience challenges or celebrations. I am optimistic because without hardship, there would be no reward. Having a positive outlook and hope is something that I have carried with me daily in order to maintain composure and confidence in myself. Read more>>
Michael Collins
From an early age, my parents always instilled a sense of making me feel like anything was possible. My mom made sure I tried as many different types of activities as possible — sports, music, reading, acting, etc. — so I would be able to experience a world of possibilities. I was terrible at most things I tried but my mom always said “the best is yet to come” and I’ve lived by that ever since. Read more>>
Iris Reyes
There were so many topics to choose to write about but I chose the question asked of me, by my daughter, a million times. I’m not sure why I remain optimistic even when my soul is breaking and I honestly feel no hope. Why I say things like, “it won’t always be this way”. Perhaps I’m fooling myself but that may be the exact thing I need to keep me alive. I believe everything happens for a reason. Whether bad or a good. Read more>>
Kevin Bringman
I think the general source of my optimism and general positive outlook comes from my grandmother. I know from her history that she has endured a tremendous amount of adversity and challenges in her life and I use her as a general source of inspiration and a moral compass for all of my endeavors at this point in my life. Read more>>
Rebecca Grappo
When I work with teenagers as they plan for their futures, I talk to them about their hopes, dreams, fears, and how they envision their futures. I really enjoy hearing about how they think, where they see their place in the world, how they care about other humans, what they value, and their desire to make a difference. They give me hope and optimism for our futures – the young people I meet are so bright and optimistic that it helps to keep me that way, too! Read more>>
Tom Clark
This I think after 30 years in comedy, it’s realizing that there’s always going to be peaks and valleys over the course of your career. Currently I don’t have an agent to send me out for auditions. It’s a tough time right now, especially for actors and writers. Since the actor and writers strike there really isn’t a lot happening unless you’re a bigger name, so you just have to wait it out. I’m lucky that my main gig is stand up and I can stay busy and make money doing that. Read more>>
Jaime Alford
The ability to envision, depict and communicate what an optimistic future can look like. Then, making it happen. My mom used to say to me, ‘you create your own reality’… I’ve learned, this is my superpower. My optimism is expressed in the concept and design of the Yardley Refillery an “eco-lifestyle” and refill shop, it’s meant to show people there is a better way. A better way to shop at the most basic level, but more deeply, a simpler, more sustainable way to live. My optimism has been reinforced by our customers who walk in the door, experience the store, fall in love and ‘get it’. Read more>>
Katie Mills
An optimist is said to be someone who sees the glass as half full—someone who holds the belief that this world is the best of all possible worlds. My optimism stems from a deep-rooted passion for helping others achieve their wellness goals in every realm: mental, physical, and emotional. I believe that health and wellness can be achieved through education and outreach, and I am committed to guiding my clients on their journey to better health. Read more>>
Maxwell Myers
When asked where my optimism comes from, I believe it stems from knowing how much I’m capable of. For example, whenever I face a challenging situation or experience failure, I remind myself that some of my worst failures have turned into my biggest success stories. This outlook has a significant impact on how I view the world. I feel that no matter how bad a situation is, there can and will always be some sort of silver lining. Read more>>
Clarise Cameron
People always say to me “Why are you so optimistic? where does that come from?” My usual response is “I don’t know, just the way I was raised I guess.”, which is true, but more directly it came from my mother. She was very big on teaching about optimism, positivity and the power of words. I was always taught to really think about the words I use and how they can have a sub-conscience effect on my wellbeing. Read more>>
Tairan Hao
My optimism stems from a fascination with the intersections of art, technology, and identity. Growing up in China and working with different people from different disciplines, I was drawn to the possibilities that technology offered. This curiosity led me to explore new media art, where I could blend the digital and tangible, using my work to navigate and express complex relationships between personal identity and societal norms. Read more>>
B. Newb
My optimism, albeit fleeting, comes from my Mom. I’ve seen her have to restart numerous times in life and never let it stop her from seeing the light in every situation. I try to have that same outlook whenever I face adversity, which recently has been a lot. Read more>>
Christine Flott
My optimism comes from having a growth mindset. I’d like to say that I developed that growth mindset because I’ve been inspired by others, so on and so forth. However, the truth of the matter is that I’m naturally curious and like to learn. The great thing about being a lifelong learner is that there’s always an answer out there. That makes me optimistic! Read more>>
Lenny Cabanero-harvey
Out of all of the possible questions that I could have answered, it surprised me that this was the one I chose. On the outside, I think most people would describe me as overly positive and hopeful. I laugh a little to myself as I think this may be an unexpected characteristic of someone who is a product of Generation X and the first born of Asian Immigrants. Read more>>
Jerri Reid
I don’t think I get it from anywhere specifically, I think it’s something you choose to be. Once I had an understanding of the power of my thoughts and my words being optimistic became easy. Why be negative? Why not speak positive words into what you’re doing. I believe energy and energy transfer is very real. Optimism is truly a way of being. Read more>>
Kate Kincaid
I think my optimism comes from being a parent. For me, choosing to have children is an exercise in hope and faith that there will be a worthwhile future for them to grow up into. And then I remember that I have to do my part to ensure that future exists. Read more>>
Erin Higgins
I have a saying: things will be okay; because they have to be.
Before I can explain where my optimism comes from, I have to be very clear that sometimes, it’s playing a great game of hide and seek and I am failing in the seek department. But outside of those moments, I’m able to see that it’s right in front of me. There are always folks, whether it is family, friends, repeat clients or strangers that are impressed by what I do. Read more>>
Jahnna Blyden
My optimism stems from my strong faith in God and my understanding that life is full of ebbs and flows. It takes a significant amount of faith in God to know that everything will unfold in due time. As an artist, especially when fighting imposter syndrome, creative blocks, and other obstacles, it is very easy to compare yourself to others and downplay the success you’ve achieved. I’ve been working to make a conscious effort not to dwell on my worries, and my foundation in God gives me a buoyancy that keeps my overthinking at bay. Read more>>
