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?
Lena Yelen Frechen
I’ve always been an optimist. If I have a plan, I don’t stop until it’s achieved — moving to New York and building my company is a good example. I faced many obstacles along the way, from multiple rejections to moments of doubt.But if something doesn’t work out the way you originally hoped, it’s a sign that it wasn’t meant for you — because there’s something even better in store that you can’t see yet! I know everything I’m saying sounds cliché, but this is genuinely my mindset. Read more>>
Ariane Dray
I’ve always been a naturally optimistic and smiley person—so much so that some of my friends often wonder how I manage to stay so positive all the time. But beneath that cheerful exterior, I’ve realized that my optimism also serves as a defence mechanism. As an introvert-extrovert mix—leaning more towards introversion (about 85% introvert to 15% extrovert)—I can get easily overwhelmed. When I’m nervous, I tend to smile and laugh, and surprisingly, it usually works in my favour, as people tend to respond positively to that energy. Read more>>
Vicki Ades
My optimism is rooted in a simple philosophy: “What’s the worst that can happen?” If the worst outcome is that I don’t get the job, secure the client, or receive a call back, then I have nothing to lose. If the end result doesn’t harm anyone and offers potential gains, I proceed confidently. Read more>>
Valeria Lento Palmertree
Optimism is too often misinterpreted as aloofness or oblivion, but true optimism requires an admirable level of depth. I believe that true optimism is birthed from difficult experiences. When you have gone through darkness, hardship and loss, it becomes evident that challenging chapters only last a while – that there’s always good on the horizon, a silver lining, a sliver of light… Hope and joy always find their way back in. Read more>>
Tiffany Miles
In life I have endured so many challenges and loss that to move forward without the most open mind. I have a deep understanding that this is the only life we get and it comes to an end quick, making me move forward knowing that I can make the best of it. Along side of these hard lessons, I know what I’m capable of how hard I will work to get there. Knowing that better is always an option if I keep moving to it! Read more>>
Jessica Ridley
My optimism is rooted in a deep faith in Jesus and a sense of purpose that’s grown with me through every chapter of my life. I believe that each day, each opportunity, and even each challenge holds something positive, something to learn from. This perspective was strengthened by my journey in the music industry and entrepreneurial ventures, where I’ve learned that persistence, creativity, and a grateful heart can turn any situation into an opportunity for growth. My faith is a big part of it, reminding me to trust that I’m guided and that good things are always possible. Read more>>
Cesarina Pulleyn
My optimism stems from a combination of influences that have shaped my outlook on life. First and foremost, my father believed that anything is possible. His encouragement taught me to dream big and pursue my goals without fear of failure. Additionally, my sister Vicky’s infectious enthusiasm and love for adventure have inspired me to embrace new challenges. Her willingness to try anything reminds me that life is full of opportunities waiting to be explored.
Finally, I recognize the importance of maintaining a positive perspective. I understand that viewing situations through a negative lens can lead to discouragement and depression—a place I have experienced and have no desire to revisit. Read more>>
Nathalie Plamondon-thomas
Everything starts with the story you tell yourself in your head. Let’s go back to the days when I was just starting out teaching fitness, at a gym in Toronto. I was not super confident; I’m sure you’ve been there before, maybe not in a gym but in some other setting where you were brand new and a little out of your element. You’re not sure what you’re doing, you’re not popular, you don’t know anybody, or you’re new in the area and haven’t really found your feet yet. So what happened between me begging my boss not to remove my class from the schedule because of the low numbers, and being awarded fitness instructor of the year for the whole country, less than a year later? Read more>>
Jodi Silverman
I believe optimism is closely connected to our resilience. I get my optimism from my father! Like him, I’ve always had this unique ability to see the glass not only half full, but sometimes even overflowing—even in tough times. Optimism doesn’t mean ignoring our emotions; instead, it’s about honoring them with curiosity and understanding, which helps us move through them to see a brighter perspective or outcome. For anyone who feels as if they “just weren’t born wired this way” I have great news, optimism can be learned, and here are two simple practices you can begin implementing right now: 1. Look for the Good an Savor it for 20 seconds. Read more>>
Yanqi Magicfeifei Wang
My optimism comes from the art I make and the way I approach it—direct, blunt, sarcastic, and unafraid to challenge norms or provoke uncomfortable reactions. My work, especially in photography and sculpture, is like stand-up comedy in that it thrives on irony and making fun of mistakes, poking at behavior with a sense of humor that is both unapologetically blunt and deliberately embarrassing. I like to see people react with discomfort because that means I’ve hit on something real. I’m stubborn, almost like an ox, with a spiky, persistent nature that keeps me genuinely committed to my art, even though I don’t take it too seriously. Read more>>
Michelle Ivette Ponce
My optimism comes from my identity. It’s who I am at the roots, and it comes from the values embedded within me, inside the ancestral legacy that I have inherited. It comes from the fertility and richness of the land that I come from. Optimism was embedded in me when as a child I tasted sweet fruit that grew everywhere. The promise of ripened perfection, a juicy mango, a refreshing pineapple, a soft coconut. Optimism was in the warm smile of the grandmothers everywhere as I grew up in Puerto Rico, always quick to sprinkle a prayer of protection and a blessing over me. There existed much to be grateful for and as a culture, we all learned optimism through resiliency. Whatever hardships we experienced we coped with music, laughter, love, and comradery. Optimism became a way to survive and eventually thrive. My optimism comes from my people, and the abundance of the land that I grew up on. Read more>>
Blake Butler
My optimism comes from years of pessimism. Acknowledging that this is a dark and bizarre world helped shine light on the amusing parts. I attribute a lot of my optimism to corporate art/design. Seeing all of these amazing artists express themselves through commercial avenues gives me hope. I love the idea of being so selfless with your creativity and all the while helping the economy. I aspire to focus more on profit based art after I’m done with my movie : River Des Peresite. Read more>>
Monay Taylor
I’ve daydreamed about what I envisioned my life to be since I was at least 11 years old. I always thought of the city I may live in, the types of clothes I would be able to wear and actually afford. I couldn’t envision my closet to be anything less than a remix version of what Carrie Bradshaws’ was. I figured what type of career I may have a chance at being successful at, but realized I wanted to make the most money, doing the least amount of work. I’ll admit, I was lazy. Once I got to college, I immediately realized laziness can only get you so far. You can have the vision, but you also must do the work. I just figured the work HAD to be something I enjoyed, and worth my efforts. This happens to be fashion, it’s always been. Read more>>
Chucho Morales
My optimism comes from within. I firmly believe that one of the most powerful things an individual can do is trust in themselves, because if you don’t, who will? This mindset forms the foundation of everything I do. I know my strengths and capabilities, and when I commit to something, I do so with the confidence that I can see it through—otherwise, I wouldn’t embark on it in the first place. Read more>>
Nick & Justin Sears & Fife
We get our optimism by surrounding ourselves with those that support and lift us up. When you are able to have fun and enjoy the time you have around those close to you, it makes it easier to stay positive! Concentrating on the good helps make your day better! Read more>>
Xerkxes Iii
Optimism, I’ve come to believe, is a deliberate act of will—an act that, while deceptively simple, often feels like the hardest choice to make. Looking back, I remember the shadows I wrestled with in younger years: waves of depression and anxiety that crept in, tugging at every corner of my mind. I was caught, as many artists are, in the web of others’ opinions, feeding a need for validation that felt inseparable from the creative act itself. But somewhere along that journey, I realized a profound truth: if you truly want to create, there comes a time when you have to release all that weight, all those tangled threads of ego, expectation, and self-doubt. It’s in that letting go that you start to glimpse the essence of pure creation. Read more>>
Jordan Carda
I read a book in my early twenties, (Chillpreneur by Denise Duffield-Thomas) that covered a whole host of things regarding business ownership and making it work for you, not against you. One idea that stood out to me most from this read was having a mindset of abundance. That there’s plenty of business to go around whether you recognize it or not. Any time I’m feeling lesser than my competitors or admiring something they do well (insert imposter syndrome), I just keep that little gold nugget in mind. Read more>>
Ali Sullivan
My optimism comes from years of seeing how life unfolds, often in the most unexpected ways. After eight years of traveling, I’ve learned that things won’t always go according to plan—missed flights, last-minute changes, or the occasional wrong turn are all part of the journey. Instead of focusing on the setbacks, I try to see each moment as an opportunity, even if it feels inconvenient at the time. Maybe that delay that frustrated me saved me from something else down the road. This perspective has taught me that even the hardest moments can reveal something good if I’m open to it. Read more>>
Christian Haines
I would say my optimism is a combination of a healthy amount of melancholy and a love for a good self help quote or concept. As far as the melancholy is concerned, it may sound funny, but I am more positive if I let myself feel my feelings as they come up which leads to a bit of melancholy. If I allow myself to just fully feel sadness in the moment or not shove a bad or sad thought to the side, then I can deal with it and keep going. Life’s not built to be this endless stream of success, there are highs and lows and there are sad things and happy things, and the more you ignore the sad things the happy things start to seem a little hollow. Read more>>
Loreah Mansfield
I often get asked where my optimism comes from. I have always been a “happy go lucky” type of person. I often say that I am too weak to be a pessimist. Being an optimist is my defense mechanism against the world; some days I truly believe that. I am hardwired to think positively. I love to work hard and accept new challenges as they come. My eyes are always open to opportunity, which I think gives me my spirit and drive through life. There is so much to offer in this world if you believe you can do it and are open to the opportunity. Read more>>
John Stahl
Yes, I am an optimist. In the face of cascading catastrophes threatening the survival of life on earth, I remain an optimist. My father and grandfather were Methodist ministers, and when I asked the usual questions of a seven year old (“Where does the sky end ? Where did the world come from ? Who created God ?”), my father assured me that God created the world, and that God has always existed. Well, being a bright and thoughtful kid, I couldn’t fathom any of that, and before many years had passed, I decided that I was an atheist. However, even without a course in logic, I realized that it was not enough to announce Negation. If God didn’t create the universe, where did it come from ? And so I spent a great part of my life searching for answers to those and other primary questions of theology and metaphysics. Read more>>
Lauren Steward
Optimism is a true test of faith, in my opinion. Regarding business or my personal life it has been doing the best I can with what I can control and letting the rest play out the way it is supposed to. For me, its doing my absolute best to walk in gratitude daily. Life is going to happen, things are going to go wrong- but not letting it negatively affect the day or week and staying consistent in gratitude makes the difference. Gratitude allows me to have complete optimism and faith that everything is always working out for me. Read more>>
Quinn Marston
My optimism comes from my spirituality and belief that there is a greater divine force. I feel like whatever this force is connects us all. I feel like I also get my optimism from a belief that we are all doing our best to search for love and give love and to create balance in our lives and to move through this world without hurting each other. Read more>>
Imelda Diez-tipa
As a small business owner, my optimism comes from my passion for sharing my cultural heritage and my pride in showing Peru to the world through this “little window” like my restaurant.
Opening Señor Carbón —Peruvian Cuisine was one of our biggest dreams. We have the resilience to overcome challenges and obstacles and celebrate our achievements with loyal customers. Read more>>
Michelle Held
My optimism comes from the beauty I see around me every day. As a plein air and wildlife artist, I have the privilege of immersing myself in nature and observing its raw, vibrant energy. Traveling and painting in places like Ireland, Italy, and across the U.S. opens my eyes to different landscapes, colors, and atmospheres, filling me with awe and gratitude. There’s an inner strength that grows from these experiences, paired with a passion that’s deepened by sharing it with others through teaching. Passing on what I’ve learned brings a powerful sense of connection and keeps my outlook positive, knowing that art has the power to inspire and uplift. Read more>>
Shawna Henderson
At times, life might feel overwhelming and everything seems to be working against you. In those moments, it can be extremely difficult to stay optimistic. However, cultivating a sense of inner peace and resilience can help you navigate even the toughest times. One key to maintaining optimism is staying grounded. Taking moments throughout the day to reconnect with the present—whether through mindfulness, deep breathing, or simply pausing to appreciate the small things—can create a sense of calm amidst the chaos. It’s also essential to carve out time for yourself, allowing space to recharge and clear your mind. Personally I love to engage in physical activities out in nature. It is amazing how spending time in nature, helps you reset your perspective. Read more>>
Sendi Khatcheressian
Optimism, for me, is a daily choice that’s rooted in empathy, kindness, and a deep appreciation for life. I truly believe that each of us has the power to shape our happiness, and every day we get to decide how we’ll see the world. There’s always the option to focus on the positive, to celebrate the little joys, and to create a beautiful and fulfilling environment around us. Read more>>
James Harper
Optimism is easy as long as you allow your mind to realize how lucky we are to be alive at the same time as: Neil Peart, Ice Cream, Coffee, WKRP in Cincinnati, nature, Tom Robbins and David Sedaris books, tacos, Motorhead, plaid pants, Indian food, vinyl records and turntables, A Tribe Called Quest, waterfalls, Japanese whiskey, fine writing instruments, bowties, Godzilla movies, R2D2, Mango Nectar, Burnt Ends, The City of Lost Children, bicycles, libraries, Tina Fey, Loch Ness, croissants, Michael Jordan, Jessica Hische’s typography, and peanut sauce. Read more>>
Ryan Hellriegel
I believe the way you do anything is the way you do everything, so I simply do more things I enjoy than less. This equation has led to an optimistic and joyful disposition over time. Read more>>
Elizabeth Miller
I feel like my optimism is structured from my faith as a Christian. My life verse is Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” To me, this means to remember that He is sovereign and is in control of everything so, why be nervous about anything? Be happy, be optimistic, because God has it all in His hands and it will work out in His will. Read more>>
Victoria Horochowski
My optimism comes from a deep belief in the law of attraction, which teaches me that what I focus on, I bring into my life. By practicing positive self-talk and always looking for the silver lining in any situation, I maintain a mindset that encourages growth and fulfillment. My feelings are a powerful signal from my inner self, showing me the nature and vibrational frequency of my thoughts and guiding me toward what I’m manifesting. The key is to focus on feeling good, knowing that when I feel good, I attract more experiences and things that reinforce positivity. By trusting in this law, staying optimistic—even in challenging times—feels natural, as I know I’m creating the life I envision through my thoughts and emotions. Read more>>
Diana Dellos
Creativity allows us to step out of our everyday lives and into a world that is just ours. When we create, we forget about everything else and are very present in that moment. That sacred place of creativity rejuvenates, fulfills, and restores us. I’ve seen proof of this in not only myself, but also in people that take my classes. Creativity balances me and brings me back to my homeostasis. It’s from here I remember all the things I’m grateful for and find my optimistic outlook on life. Read more>>
William Zimmerman
There’s a quote from Winston Churchill that goes, “Pessimists see difficulty in every opportunity. Optimist’s see opportunity in every difficulty”. I try to live life by that philosophy both personally and professionally. I don’t look at the concept of “failure” the way many people do. Instead of viewing failure with a sense of finality, I view it as cyclical. In other words, “failure” is just another point in the journey. At the same time, failure and challenges shouldn’t be feared. We should welcome them. Because that’s how we learn. Without challenges, there’s no progress. Without darkness there is no light. I just find that it’s a lot easier to go through life as an optimist rather than a pessimist. The glass is “half full” not “half empty”. Read more>>
Catherine Mclean
Although it’s easy to feel pessimistic about the significant wealth gap between men and women, statistics do show that while women tend to invest less often than men, their investing habits often outperform men’s. This is why I am so passionate about teaching women how to invest in the stock market for faster growth. Because they can do amazingly well for their finances if they just take the time to learn how to invest. Read more>>
Zakiya Holman
My optimism in part is a function of learned behavior. My parents consciously cultivated an environment for optimism to flourish. My late mother’s very disposition was one of optimism. I witnessed her engage in shared problem solving with both my father and her heavenly father when challenges arose and never ever not even once heard her complain. I witnessed my father’s relentless work ethic and faithful actions daily. Both taught me that I could declare and decree the best expected possible outcome via employing faith and diligence. Read more>>
