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?
Diana Caicedo

My optimism comes from my relationship with God. I think it is very important. You always see the positive side in all situations because life itself is not easy, but when you have God and a positive attitude, everything happens, even the things that seem bad leave you with a lesson and you continue to move forward through faith in your best friend. God Read more>>
Bethany Blanton

My faith. As a Christian, I feel like most circumstances that find me are manageable. I also believe that everything happens for a reason, and I may not know that reason for a while IF ever. Knowing this gives me confidence that I can handle and survive whatever comes my way. It may not be easy, but it’s possible. Read more>>
Connor Foley

My optimism comes from years of working on it. In all truth, I went through many years of not being optimistic and was quite the opposite. During this time I never really realized just how much the negative outlook was its own self fulfilling prophecy. I was lucky enough to end up being around people that were more and more optimistic and supportive later on in my life and through their influence I was able to start making the change. Read more>>
Bob Waun

There’s always a better way to do something, and often several better ways. This bountiful of creative possibilities always leaves me hopeful that humankind will progress toward a better world for future generations. It also makes me believe that every challenge is overcome-able with some new ideas, inputs and willingness to ask “how”? Read more>>
Qutunuia Benoit-carter

Experience…. I’ve learned that everything isn’t as bad as it seems. If you keep an open mind and work hard, sometimes you can change the narrative. But if you fail at something, at least you’ve tried, and you can keep trying until you succeed. Read more>>
Jillian Reyna

I once heard a quote that said “when something bad happens, you have a choice of how long it is going to bother you. 3 minutes, 3 hours, 3 days, 3 weeks, months, etc. How will you let it affect you?” That quote really gave me perspective on how I handle situations and to not spend too much time on the negative. After giving ourselves the appropriate time to be upset and frustrated, it’s time to move forward rather than let that steal our energy and joy. Understandably, some life events will take longer to get past than others. Read more>>
Garrett Wedan

It’s probably cliche but movies and TV and their use of motivational phrases. Like “its always darkest before the dawn”, I get that some of these sayings are cheesy and meant to invoke those feelings, but they aren’t inaccurate.
I’m in that weird gap of the millennial generation where we grew up still on the notion work hard, go to college, and get a good job and you’ll be ok, but in reality that isn’t the case. I got lucky college wise and am not in a mountain of college debt like so many of my peers. Read more>>
James Taylor

Ever since I was a child, I’ve always tried to look on the bright side. Over time, I realized that the more optimistic I was about life, the better things seemed to turn out. Even when my anxiety gets the best of me, I’ve come to understand that nothing has been truly earth-shattering. No breakup, job failure, or financial loss has ever been as bad as my mind made it out to be. Read more>>
Rashmi

Cynicism, negativity, hopelessness?
It may make you seem non-chalant and perhaps even a little sophisticated, but the toll it takes on your being isn’t worth it. Plus it’s easy, easier to complain and be unhappy; to not take the initiative to feel better or help someone else feel better. Hopelessness lacks creativity and love.
It takes courage and vigilance to maintain hope, optimism, and positivity. It takes mindfulness to not let yourself get down and to remind yourself of the things that are good and the people you appreciate and the creativity you love.
It’s a type of secular spiritual practice. Read more>>
Reagan Allen

Optimism is a core value in our field. When you remember the impact you have on someone who is celebrating the most special day of their life, it’s easy to see the hope and the joy of it all.
I reflect on starting our business and what we wanted that to look like. For us, the greater good was always at the forefront of everything we wanted to incorporate. We consider the greater good for our employees, our customers, the life they are building with their significant other and we know the large impact our business has on that. We optimistic about making a positive impact on their lives and creating a special moment when they are with us. Read more>>
Melody Cohn

Learning the law of attraction. My thoughts, my feelings and actions are always working together. I started meditating and tuning out negative self talk.
Listening to my inner voice. Following my happiness is key. Read more>>
Fabian Perez

I am an optimist because I can see that I am living, not that I am dying.
I think God makes the world more beautiful with the wonders of Nature, and an artist’s duty is to make it beautiful through his work. I always choose to show the good side of life with my paintings, because I consider it to be the greatest. Read more>>
Blanca Diaz

My optimism comes from a deep belief that no matter how tough a situation gets, it could always be worse. This mindset encourages me to count my blessings before even thinking about complaining. When negative thoughts or feelings of imposter syndrome start to creep in, I make a conscious effort to redirect them with positive ones. Reflecting on the tough moments I’ve already overcome helps put everything into perspective. Read more>>
Mercedes Austin

My optimism comes from knowing what’s behind me was harder than things are now. As a 3-year old, my mother overcame being physically abused by my father and restarted our life. Merely on $45/week, for years, she was a single mom raising two kids, covering a mortgage while filling in financial gaps with side-hustles to make it all work. Read more>>
Heather Powell

Learning from my family, peers and mentors. I watched them help those around them even with their own challenges. Optimism is the foundation of progress. It fuels hope in the face of challenges, allowing us to envision better outcomes when the present seems uncertain or unclear. My success (and failures), are rooted in a belief that setbacks are temporary, Optimism pushes all of us forward, encouraging resilience and creativity. In a world full of uncertainty, optimism helps us stay grounded and strive for growth. Read more>>
Caraline Gallegos

My optimism stems from several powerful sources. In my client care work with We Love St. Charles, I have been inspired by the resilience I’ve seen in individuals who rise above seemingly impossible circumstances, demonstrating incredible strength. Read more>>
Chas Stickney

Optimism has usually been a very normal feeling for me. I think it’s so strong most of the time, because, I have faced a lot of amazing moments that made me realize life can be full of excitement and joy if you just allow it and think that way! Like everyone else, I’ve dealt with a lot of disappointment as well. Disappointment that was self inflicted as well as others disappointing me.
I realized early on that “what you think about, you bring about”. That phrase has always resonated with me and I believe in it wholeheartedly. Read more>>
Karina Castro

My optimism comes from the hard challenges I’ve faced in life, especially my struggle with depression during my third year in college. It was one of the toughest times for me, but overcoming it changed my perspective completely. I learned not to take happiness for granted and to appreciate the small moments. Although I’m still working on maintaining that optimism, becoming a mom has added a whole new layer of joy and hope to my life. Read more>>
Kathleen Haden

My optimism comes from my mom.
She was the most positive person, never saying a bad word against another person.
She saw all people equal. She taught me from a young age to always have a glass full. She taught me to be kind towards others, no matter what.
I was so blessed by her words, thoughts and actions. Read more>>
Carl-philipp Wengler

I think it’s an innate thing I have. Ask my closest friends, my mother, my father, my girlfriend… I’ve simply always looked at the bright side and had a positive outlook on life. And then, it’s about cherishing what you have and enjoying the simple things in life. You’re still allowed to dream and strive for great things, have goals, and aspirations, but I believe you’ll have a much better life if you can find joy in what you already have. Read more>>
Chami Saks

I drive a lot of my optimism from my faith in G-d. I feel as though I have an unbreakable belief that G-d has a plan for me, my family, my business, and everything. With having that faith, it allows me to know that the ultimate plan is out of my hands. That everything will simply work out in the way that G-d had intended. In addition, I deeply believe that if you have a good attitude, a good vibe, and a positive outlook, that optimism will leak into the rest of your life positively. Read more>>
Joel Sartore

I don’t see any other choice to be honest. You can sit around and be overcome with all the negative news about what we are doing to the environment or you can go out there and try to do something about it. Having that hope and optimism is essential – and I’ve been lucky enough to see how people working tirelessly to make even the smallest of changes can and do make real differences for wildlife and for our planet. Read more>>
Jamaica Hobbs

Since a kid, I was always described as bright. Usually referring to my academic achievements, elementary and beyond. “She’s so smart, so bright”, they would cheer. Being the third born of 4, competition for attention was tough. Compliments like these went far for me. I believed them. I believed doing well, being generous, being content, and staying positive was rewarded. Rewarded seldomly, but rewarded nonetheless. I didn’t come from an emotional “survival mode”. My family loved me. Sure we had our issues. Read more>>
Chytown

Faith. My faith in God and learning that I’m created to be a light for others as well as myself is what keeps me going. I learned that my intuition fuels my drive towards whatever goals I need to accomplish and with that gut feeling of knowing that it can be done (faith), I’m always determined to achieve success, and in my own definition of the word. Read more>>
Marquise Myles

To be honest with you, I believe it comes from having a positive outlook on life. I wake up everyday intentional about making the day a better one than yesterday.. Read more>>
Cameron Black

“My optimism comes from a deep belief in the power of resilience and hope. Life presents us with challenges, but I’ve learned that with a positive mindset, we can overcome any obstacle. I draw strength from the people around me, my experiences, and the understanding that every setback is an opportunity for growth. By focusing on gratitude and the potential each day holds, I remain optimistic about the future and the positive change we can all create.” Read more>>
Chynna Morgan

My optimism comes from trusting in God, trusting the process, and trusting myself. I deeply believe that what is meant for me will come to me, and what isn’t will not. Embracing this mindset brings me peace. Read more>>
Jenn Gladysz

I’ve always been an optimist. I focus on the good and what’s working, while staying realistic about challenges and areas that need improvement. I’m a natural problem solver—I enjoy untangling issues and finding the best way forward. This approach keeps me feeling positive, even when faced with tough situations. I believe that with the right mindset and teamwork, most problems can be solved. Read more>>
Lance Daniel

I’m optimistic. I wasn’t always that way. I grew up surrounded by relatives who were mostly negative. They’d say things such as, “It’s always something.” (And not a good something). “That’s how they get you.” “Murphy was right. Everything that can go wrong will go wrong and in the worst possible way.“ Read more>>
Zach West

I find optimism in my ability to remain hopeful and confident especially during times of stress. I have always had a strong belief that the future is malleable and the likelihood of a successful outcome lies in my ability to remain flexible and optimistic. Read more>>
Zach Mendoza

I believe optimism to be a choice. Spiraling into the eddy of a negative thought pattern can sometimes feel like the natural order of things, but choosing optimism is a more productive path forward. Life is finite and, with limited time, I think it’s better to fill that time with more days in which I’ve felt optimistic rather than negative. Read more>>