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?
Katharine Ruoxi
I wouldn’t necessarily describe myself as an optimist, but I approach life with a positive and proactive mindset. Thinking about the future—when AI might replace most labor-intensive work—can seem intimidating, but I see it as an opportunity. AI taking over as “tools” could free us to rediscover what it means to be human, shifting our focus from productivity to fulfillment.
This raises deeper questions: Why are we here? What do we do when the tools do the work? People might say, “Enjoy life,” but for me, life isn’t just about eating, sleeping, or relaxing. I believe humans will always seek meaningful engagement—“working” in ways that bring purpose and joy.
So, when you ask about optimism, I’d say it’s less about expecting perfect outcomes and more about embracing the process of learning, growing, and experiencing. Read more>>
Tami
I have always been full of joy in life and always saw the positive. I believed in the way and the name that is mine. From a young age I was at peace with my path, despite quite a few difficulties and changes. My life is very dynamic and I constantly dream of the new thing and see the beautiful side of things without realizing how much everything develops me and advances me even if sometimes a bit challenging. I have an innocent girl in me, a dreamer who knows no limits, probably this is what preserves my optimism. Read more>>
Irvin A. Ramirez Herrera
My optimism comes from the experiences that have shaped my life and the lessons I’ve learned through challenges. Over the years I’ve faced difficult moments that taught me the importance of adapting, keeping my faith, and finding strength in the love of my family. I firmly believe that every struggle has a purpose and that even in the darkest times, there is always light at the end.
Music became my refuge and my way of expressing everything within me, turning pain into inspiration. My faith in God and my determination to move forward have helped me view life with hope, reminding me that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Today, my optimism is rooted in my trust in a better future and my ability to overcome any obstacle. Read more>>
Monique Hieserich
At age 18, I developed Crohn’s disease and then through all the ups and downs, recovered in my late 20s. This was an awakening experience in my life that brought me optimism. I truly developed a strong sense of faith. We have to stay positive in life and count our blessings. Although I wasn’t able to attend college, I self studied alternative medicine and now work as an innovative detox specialist at a cellular level. Read more>>
Jevon Wooden
I was once asked if my optimism was genuine. I am typically a jovial person who likes to focus on the beauty of life and lessons in adversity. I explained to the person who inquired about the genuineness of my optimism by letting them know that hardship is a great teacher.
I grew up in poverty, faced prison time, had multiple brushes with death, and saw others lose or take their lives. On top of it all, I am constantly battling mental and emotional health challenges. But through it all, I’ve learned that pessimism causes undue stress and closes one off to serendipity. Choosing optimism, on the other hand, has helped me find meaning in my struggles, build resilience, and embrace new opportunities even in the face of adversity. It’s not always easy, but it’s a choice I make every day. Read more>>
Nancy Cato
My optimism is deeply rooted in my childhood. During this time, all things were possible and our imaginations were completely untethered to doubt. This is where I believe my creativity comes from because as a child of the 70s and 80s we spent a lot of time outside both because we wanted to and because our parents demanded that we go outside. We would spend the day catching butterflies, creating ant farms, desperately looking for worms or building all types of weapons out of wood. Our day was filled with imaginary situations where anything was possible even if we kick back and imagine Godzilla came down our street what we would do. We were most definitely optimistic and confident that our day would be nothing but splendor. I believe when I illustrate I hold this time in my life very close. Read more>>
Marc Leonard Johnson
I believe overcoming early heart surgery is what instilled resilience and optimism in me. Coupled with my Mom’s unwavering support, played a big role in shaping my positive outlook.
why I’m passionate about the e-bike industry—its why I’m so fervent about it. Read more>>
Dong Ho Cho
I believe optimism starts with not worrying too much about things that haven’t happened yet. We often worry about future events, and in many cases, these worries tend to spiral into negative and worst-case scenarios. Therefore, I think it’s important to refrain from worrying excessively in advance. To do this, confidence and self-esteem are crucial. The belief that the future me will handle things well, and that when the time comes, it won’t be as bad as I imagined, is essential. When we have this kind of trust in ourselves, the unnecessary worries that trouble us will gradually fade away. I believe that this attitude towards life leads to a more optimistic view of the world. Read more>>
Lizzy O
My optimism comes from my faith, my family, and my journey—including my life with a disability. Living with a disability has taught me resilience, gratitude, and how to find beauty in every moment, even the tough ones.
Yes, it’s challenging at times, but I’ve learned that challenges can be stepping stones. I focus on what I *can* do and celebrate every victory, no matter how small. Plus, I want to show my kids—and the world—that living with a disability doesn’t mean living without joy, purpose, or style.
Optimism is my superpower because it keeps me going, shining, and thriving! Read more>>
Benjamin Sorrell
Optimism, I think, gets misunderstood a lot. It’s commonly seen as belonging to people who are more childish or to faithful people. It’s funny to me to answer this question because I don’t often feel like I am an optimistic person, but in conversations and discussions with family, friends, or other artists, We’ll be speaking about a particular difficulty in our lives or the fear and discomfort in the state of the world, and I’ll take some solace in the feeling that things will be okay- eventually. Read more>>
Lindsay Stidham
It takes a ridiculous amount of optimism to start new scripts, I believe the power of story is what continues to drive me and help me begin new projects and maintain optimism along the way. That, and I have been lucky enough to seek out incredible collaborators. I am trying to find partnerships for my ideas in their early stages so their final destination remains clear. The optimism also comes from the type of story I am trying to tell. I pursue a story relentlessly when I know it must exist in the world to help others in some way. Read more>>
Alicia Castillo Holley
It is a combination. A bit part comes from an accident. I fell off a horse at 13 and ended up in a coma for few days. I remember watching myself dead on a hospital bed and feeling sorry for dying without living life. I woke up few days later and ever since I have felt that life is a gift not to be wasted.
Another part comes from growing up in a small town in Venezuela. Like many people in small towns, the people I grew up with would find joy and pleasure in small things, being able to go for a hike, having a warm piece of bread, singing over a fire, learning how to dance, making something out of nothing. Many decades later, I still think that we have much more pleasure figuring and making things instead of buying them. Read more>>
Aaron Burleson
I draw my optimism from two incredible role models—my parents, Gary and Shirley Burleson. Married for over 43 years, they’ve built a foundation of love and resilience that has shaped the way I approach life. Growing up, our home was always filled with an unshakeable belief that no matter the circumstances, we could find the silver lining. My parents consistently emphasized the importance of seeing opportunity in every challenge, whether it was struggling to pay bills or figuring out creative ways to make special moments happen on a tight budget. They never allowed adversity to define us; instead, they found ways to make it work. Read more>>
Nicole Zadok
I think I am led by curiosity and the knowing that I don’t know. Read more>>
Dustin Serrano
In 2015, I became disabled, and it felt like my world had been turned upside down. I could no longer pursue the things I loved, like working on projects and film/television production. At the time, I felt like I had hit rock bottom. My career—something I had worked so hard to build—seemed out of reach, and I found myself stuck in a cycle of self-pity and depression. Read more>>
Damian Fyffe
I truly believe that it has always come natural for me. I believe in god and I believe in energy and the law of attraction. Read more>>
Lena Mali
What Is the Foundation of My Optimism?
First and foremost, it is based on the belief that everything will eventually turn out well. Imagine having no choice but to accept the current situation without any helpers, relying solely on yourself. By believing in a positive outcome, holding onto hope for the best, and applying the Law of Attraction, you will inevitably attract good changes into your life. Read more>>
P.r.o.p
My optimism comes from knowing there is a Higher Power that helps us along this journey. I have been in a few situations where I didn’t think I would make it to see another day, God intervened and saved my life , that tells me I’m here for a reason.Everyday Breathing is a blessing and another chance to take another step towards your purpose in life. Read more>>
Adomako Aman
My name is Adomako Aman, and I am a proud New Yorker, born and raised. My artistic journey began in the fast-paced world of runway photography, where I had the privilege of capturing the energy and creativity of front-of-house and backstage moments at shows for renowned designers like Telfar, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Desigual, DVF, Kenneth Cole, and many more. This foundation gave me a deep appreciation for the artistry and precision of high fashion. Read more>>
Sarah Lisle
My optimism stems from the belief that while we cannot control most things, we can control how we show up in the world, especially when things get tough. I learned this as a young adult when I was diagnosed with cancer at 25. It was a devastating blow when my life was just beginning. I had a choice as I faced the uncertainty of surgeries and chemotherapy – I could wallow and play victim or I could greet everyday with optimism, hope, and a little humor. I chose the latter and the experience has informed my life in so many ways. Read more>>
Joshpele Magic
I think it stems from an intrinsic feeling in myself that constantly reminds me I have the potential to do more. I feel that drives me to always strive for more and push the boundaries of what is deemed possible and impossible. Read more>>
