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?
Nadia Harris
Starting my small business was more than just a leap into the unknown; it was the realization of a long-held dream. After ten years as a stay-at-home mom to quintuplets, I was ready to reclaim a piece of myself and channel my creativity into something meaningful. I’d always loved working with my hands, and the idea of creating custom designs—whether through hand-drawn art, unique embroideries, or handmade items—felt like the perfect way to combine my passion with my newfound determination. Read more>>
Kim Kennedy She/her
Optimism is a quality that I have inadvertently attempted to bury and undermine my entire adult life. I have a laundry list of mental health conditions- depression, generalized anxiety disorder, disordered eating, OCD, C-PTSD, trauma informed ADHD- that can make it exceedingly easy to feel like I should give up, or that I can’t trust anyone, or that situations will never get any better. The past 3+ years I have had a pretty rocking mental health professional help me navigate the inevitable cognitive distortion I experience as a result of C-PTSD, depression, anxiety, and the like. Trauma forms our brains in certain pathways that can take incredible time and personal effort to rewire. Read more>>
Lori Burt
I think my optimism comes from experiences I’ve had growing up and always feeling encouraged by my parents. My parents always told me I could do anything but that I had to actually put myself out there or ask for opportunities in conjunction with working hard to succeed in what I wanted. I remember going to college and my first semester I really wanted some extra money. I had worked as a floral designer before I graduated highschool and thought maybe I could get a job with a local florist in my college town. I was really scared to go in and ask for a job or ask if they were hiring so my mom came with me. Before we went in she said to me, “What is the very worst thing they could say…. probably no. And is that so bad?” Read more>>
Jaelon!
My optimism is driven by an unwavering refusal to accept ‘No’ as an answer. I’m intentional about creating ambitious, visionary projects that keep me inspired and thriving. In September 2024, I had the amazing honor of headlining the Local Licks Festival, hosted by Paducah Beer Werks in Paducah, KY. This festival, a collaborative fundraiser with the Oscar Cross Boys & Girls Club, holds special significance for me—just last year, I had the opportunity to open for Grammy-nominated hip-hop legends Nappy Roots. Read more>>
Claire Chiaromonte
I think my optimism comes from an innate belief that nothing ever stays the same. Change is inevitable and one of the only things that are constant in life. Change can be something that isn’t always welcomed and sometimes outright rejected, but it doesn’t mean that it isn’t coming. Change, like the turning of the seasons or the celebration of your birthday, brings about introspective observation and hopefully, hope. Hope for a better year, a better harvest, a better something. I think that when we allow ourselves to adapt and move with these changes, there is an optimism and an outlook on life that becomes positive. Read more>>
Greg Olech
My optimism comes from my life experiences. When I concentrate on the positives and creating solutions to my problems life just flows like a river. I have to adjust the boat the best that I can. Life is going to have those rapids and rocks and you don’t know how you will fare but you can always do your best to navigate them. Getting down on yourself only digs a deeper hole. When I remain resilient in solving problems I gain optimism that I can do my best. I use this principle in my personal life and work projects. Read more>>
Luis Quintero
My little brother Pablo, has always been a source of inspiration for me. he is two years my younger and has Dows Syndrome. At this point some of you may think “Aw, is he ok?” Which I would reply,” Pablo his better in a way that most of us could only dream of. He has given me and my family blessing of constant positivity. Pablo doesn’t hurry for anything or anyone. He will smilingly go down stairs both feet on one step at a time, giggling and laughing or he will make jokes while he takes his time dressing up for a party we are already late to. He exemplifies to me the power of the positive mindset and that sense of gratitude of life and lightness permeated into not just my creative process but to my moment to moment living. Read more>>
Mary Ladd
My optimism stems from a blend of humor, connection, and a deep-rooted sense of belonging. Growing up, I had an ancestor who hand-stitched my Sunday best, making me feel special and part of something larger. Even as a fidgety kid, eager to giggle and share stories with friends, those thoughtful outfits taught me the power of showing up with brightness and joy. That sense of belonging blossomed over time into a love for people, listening to their stories, and embracing each unique moment. Read more>>
Magen Scarboro
I’m not sure I can pinpoint one thing that molded me into the optimistic person that I am, although I do believe it was mostly because of my parents. No matter what the situation was, they always had a smile. No matter the problem, they worked to find a solution. And had fun while they were doing it. I remember one thing my mother always said to me. If I was ever feeling sad, mad, or upset in any way, she would tell me to change my shirt. And it usually worked! I follow that advice to this day, and tell my own daughter the same thing. Read more>>
Michael Worth
The presence of optimism I think can only be present when you discover the gift of living in the first place. As someone whose brother had made a choice far too young that life is not worth participating in, I recognize the loss of the value of your own life becomes the beginning of the loss of optimism. Some might argue it goes the other way around but I think once you recognize that we are both not only alive but alive for only a limited time, you can begin to appreciate and relish all of the many stimuli we encounter in life as optimistic. Even when facing the harshest of critics and scenarios we uncover a positive element of the process. I recently had two weeks of footage filmed for a documentary we did in Asia go corrupt on the return to the states and become potentially unrecoverable. The absolute weight of that nightmare and the loss of weeks of work can make for an almost impossible space to feel optimism. Read more>>
John Pinelli
I’ve always had a song in my head, and I’ve always been the “glass half full” guy. I can remember being a kid and we were always outside playing… my neighbor in our little cul-de-sac would say to me “It’s not a good day unless we hear you humming or singing a tune” and I’ve always thought about that in life. I’ve always felt a responsibility to those around me to be positive and reassuring. It’s a very deep rooted habit. Read more>>
Dom Huynh
Developing optimism has been, and still is, a life long journey. For the majority of my young life, I’d say I was a pessimist, feeling like the world was against me, playing a victim to life’s challenges. This negative outlook on life darkened my spirit and I spiraled into addiction and depression. My self esteem plummeted and I subjected myself to daily exercises in self loathing. Read more>>
Remi Dessinges
I wouldn’t say I’m always optimistic—no one can be, and that wouldn’t be realistic. But I do feel confident that I can handle whatever comes my way at work. This sense of hope really comes from experience. After tackling so many projects, working late hours, and facing difficult clients, I’ve learned that things work out about 99% of the time. Read more>>
Nadine Abou Zahr
I think that optimism comes from a deep belief that even in the toughest times, there’s always something to learn or a way forward. It’s mainly fueled by hope, the support of others, and the resilience to keep moving, even when the path isn’t clear. Read more>>
Mo Collins
I think first my optimism comes from some deep place within me that refuses to give up. To concede to negativity and hardships. It rears its head sometimes just in the nick of time. Secondly, my optimism comes from seeing other people try. Doesn’t even matter if they succeed, it is in other people’s efforts. I want in on that optimism. Read more>>
Dr. Dale Laing-hall
My optimism is deeply rooted in my journey from the vibrant island of Roatán, Honduras—my place of birth rich with culture, resilience, and warmth. Growing up in Roatán taught me early on that strength and hope can flourish, even in the face of challenges. I witnessed people around me enduring hardships with grace and finding joy in small victories, no matter the circumstances. This became the bedrock of my perspective on life: that hope and perseverance aren’t just ideas but ways of living that bring light to every challenge. Read more>>
Kelsy Yates
While I would say that I’m generally an optimistic person, I can get bogged down in worry and stress. As such, I have a few strategies to keep me centered. Meditation is a daily practice. In my twenties I started meditating but quit because a few bad experiences began to make me associate meditation with gurus who care more about escaping the world than true betterment. I also deluded myself into believing that I was too busy to sit quietly for fifteen minutes. It was derivations such as the Silva Method that uses meditating and dreams to solve problems that brought me back to meditation. I now use this as a tool to enhance my work. Read more>>
Rob E. White
I’d say that optimism started as a choice for me–a self-preservation mechanism springing from a tough time as an adolescent dealing with undiagnosed learning disabilities and a grab bag of other mental health challenges. If I didn’t stay positive I was afraid I might collapse in on myself and fade away. Read more>>
Jenn Marie
I started liking Hello Kitty when I was a young girl, and I’m still very much a fan of the beloved Sanrio character. This is evident in my blog, Hello Foodie Jenn. Hello Kitty is said to “speak from the heart,” and, similar to my favorite character, I like to think that I write from the heart as well. My optimism comes from a desire to share good experiences and happy moments that have been meaningful to me. Read more>>
Jurgis Plikaitis
Honestly, my optimism comes from a mix of experiences and mindset. I’ve seen how many difficult situations eventually turn into opportunities if you approach them from the right direction. I don’t think there is any setback that doesn’t teach something useful, and just that keeps me hopeful. Plus, I am surrounded by people who make me look on the bright side, and that definitely helps. I guess for me, it’s about focusing on what I am able to control and trying to make the best of every situation. Read more>>
Ninoshka M. Vega Arias
The source of my optimism dates back to my childhood in Puerto Rico, when my mom would give me a camera every Christmas. Those moments were magical for me; they filled me with excitement and encouraged me to capture the world with fresh eyes. While my friends played, I would wander through parks and beaches, fascinated by each shot, always seeking beauty in the simple things. Photography became my way of seeing the world with hope, of focusing on the positive and on details that often go unnoticed. Read more>>
Kylie Klunder
I’ve always been blindly optimistic, in fact my phone background says “BLIND OPTIMISM,” so I have a daily reminder. My family and my faith are a huge proponent of that. I grew up with two teachers as parents, who inspire kids every day. I also grew up a Christian, so I was always told to have a child-like faith, and that’s a fundamental belief I carry in all aspects of life. It’s gotten me through life’s highs and lows, helped me in every step of my acting career, and gave me hope in my view on the world. As a person who is drawn to numbers (I have a mathematics degree), the statistics that support optimism are astounding as well — if you go into any situation optimistic or with an “I’m lucky” attitude, your odds of a successful outcome skyrocket! Read more>>
Shane Ashton
My optimism stems from a deep belief in the significance of my goals, intertwined with the inspiration I draw from what I’m building. When your creation holds personal meaning because you can envision the positive impact it will have on others, it ignites a powerful creative spirit—like an engine roaring to life. This ignition fuels a sense of optimism: a vibrant, confident excitement about the potential of what you’re bringing into existence. Read more>>
Anna Nuby
Do you believe in miracles or magic? I grew up in a family that believed in God and attended church regularly. Much like A lot of children in the 90’s, I grew up singing in church choirs and dancing with the praise team. During a lot of my youth, I knew I was different and had an aura about me that many people were drawn to. I gave people hope through my faith in things I could not see but feel. As I grew through my 20’s and learned many lessons. I also seen and experienced so much opportunity. Especially in my career as a brand ambassador/model and as a creative writer. I always had a vision of the best there could be for my life, and always told myself I deserved the best of life if I was willing to work hard for it. Read more>>
Katie Bonarrigo
I have always been an optimistic, glass half-full person. My therapist once told me if you’re going to spend time considering the worst case scenario, it’s only fair to spend the same amount of time considering the best case scenario, because both have equal probability of coming to fruition. On top of that, I am a firm believer that the energy you project (positive or negative) comes back to you – so I always try to remain positive and optimistic, even in the face of adversity, as I believe doing so will ultimately help me find the lesson or silver lining in any scenario. Read more>>
Eeshan Kamath
My optimism comes from a blend of several stories, ideas, thoughts and great experiences I’ve had during conversations. People have an abundance of resilience and imagination, which encourages optimism! In addition, I enjoy thinking about the possibility for transformation and growth. Also, having a positive mindset never disappoints oneself. It’s also fueled by the little moments of kindness and ingenuity that pop up every day. Read more>>
