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?

Alexa Ortega Kuhlman

My optimism comes from the love of my life, my husband, Daniel. I have witnessed him go through multiple hardships and he has overcome every hardship with compassion, humility, hope and strength. Daniel lost him mother to breast cancer more than two years ago. He personally cared for her until her last days.  Read More>>

Amanda Blanca

I’d say my optimism comes from my family.

I was lucky to grow up in a multi-generational household of incredibly strong and determined people. My parents and I immigrated from Cuba when I was just three months old and they were in their mid-thirties. They started entirely from scratch in a country where they didn’t speak the language, didn’t know the system, and had nothing but hope. Read More>>

Andy Lee

Honestly, for myself I feel that I had a decent sense of optimism as a very young child. Despite having a parent pass away as a toddler, I still remember a feeling they were still around and palpable. This helped shape my life of leaning into our universes mysteries. I certainly don’t want to sugarcoat when there are rough roads. I can also empathize with a childhood of abuse and paramount dysfunction.  Read More>>

Alexandria (Alie) Hernandez

My optimism comes from community. I’ve made the most amazing people out here in Jacksonville of all walks of life. I’ve met people who inspire me to be better, do better and feel better. Especially in a creative space you’re bound to find empathy and passion. Read More>>

Michael Martinez Max Embers

We’ll be the first to say that optimism is a bit hard to muster these days. It’s important to stay hopeful and remember all the possibilities for a beautiful future, but we also think it’s important to be realistic about the current state of the world and all the life on it. In the current political climate, in the US and globally, it seems like our fate rests in the hands of a tiny group of incredibly privileged people, Read More>>

Anna Gersh

My optimism comes from knowing hard work and clarity of purpose more often than not renders up positive outcomes. My first experience with this happened when I was 11 – I worked with my mother on Jimmy Carter’s campaign. People were so hopeful and worked so hard and when he won that election everyone around me felt like we saved the world from the political corruption of Nixon. It left a powerful impression on me. Read More>>

Elizabeth Leu

I am the youngest of 4 siblings, and perhaps my optimism is attached to being the ‘youngest’ … mixed with having a core belief that optimism powers my drive. I have found over the years that spending time in the negative never really gets you anywhere productive. Seeing the glass half full has allowed me to push forward with new ideas and not cloud potential with the ‘what if it doesn’t work’ freezing mentality.  Read More>>

Jillian Waun

My optimism has been fueled by gratitude. Gratitude has by far been one of the most important practices for me, especially in my early 20s while navigating new challenges that come with being an adult. There is so much to be grateful for, even on a bad day. There are also so many small things we take for granted to be grateful for! Read More>>

Martha Scharyj-douglas

My father left Eastern Europe as a young doctor right after World War II. He read an ad in a Paris newspaper which announced the need for doctors to work in newly constructed hospitals in Venezuela, South America. So, he purchased a ticket and crossed the Atlantic Ocean on the bottom tier of a freighting ship. Arriving with approximately $8 in his pocket., he moved to Barquisimeto and founded a medical school.  Read More>>

Jeff Farinosi

of something. I like to say that even if I lack a bit of hope or lose a little swagger about one particular thing, I always find a smidgen of what I’m doing a success. Not pressuring myself to reach insanely lofty goals keeps me grounded. It’s not lowering the bar…it’s being reasonable in our everyday living.  Read More>>

Jean Ross

My optimism comes from a deep belief that everyone is put on this planet for a purpose. So, for every problem I encounter, I believe there’s a group of people who can solve it. I find so much joy in helping others believe in themselves and realize they can do big and great things. Building meaningful relationships and supporting others fuels me, and my work at Primary Record gives me an outlet to do this daily.  Read More>>

Carl Bott

I’ve always had high spirits. Even as a kid I’ve always looked on the bright side of things. It wasn’t until I moved to Nashville that this was truly challenged.

I moved to Tennessee is March of 2015 to work a door to door job for ATT. Unknowingly to me, my apartment was unavailable due to a water main break and nothing else was available. I check nearby apartments and hotels but nothing. Nashville was the fastest growing city at that time with over 250 people moving here every single day. Read More>>

Jordan Gombs

My optimism comes from me understanding that everything happens for a reason. I always believe that everything happens for a reason to make you grow as a person! Read More>>

Hayley Paige

I think optimism comes from mindfulness and self-awareness—taking a moment to see things as they really are, rather than making them bigger than they need to be. That can be especially tough for anyone with a big imagination, where it’s easy to get caught up in “what ifs.” I always remind myself to save my exaggerations for design and drawing :). But learning to recognize where you stand, tune out the noise, and process things clearly is a real skill. Read More>>

Max Miller

It’s all a matter of perspective, and it starts with gratitude. Finding ways to be thankful instead of upset at the world. The world unfortunately isn’t giving out participation trophies. You have to find the silver lining in it all, and carry yourself with a smile, because in an instant it can all change. It’s not easy all the time, and it can be tiring, but it’s important to always see both sides of the coin. Read More>>

Bianca Cook

My optimism comes from knowing that my life has a greater purpose. I truly believe that I’m meant to impact people in meaningful ways through my talents, creativity, and ability to bring communities together. That belief fuels me every day, even when challenges arise. I see obstacles as stepping stones rather than roadblocks, knowing that each experience—good or bad—contributes to my growth and the bigger picture of my journey. Read More>>

Daniel Mantilla

It comes from being alive. I grew up thinking that the worst could happen at any moment. Things might collapse, but as long as I am still alive, I have the option to keep making things and continue moving.

I think that comes from small experiences like watching news on television at my maternal grandmother’s house in Bogotá, Colombia, during my first seven years of life in the 1980’s. At the time, the news, most stories related by people around me, and events closed home, had different levels of tragedy and disaster.  Read More>>

Felicia Doring

My name, Felicia, means happiness, mirroring my naturally cheerful disposition. It’s a classic example of the chicken or the egg dilemma.

My journey to the Tampa Bay area has been shaped from a rich tapestry of international experiences over the past 20 years. I was born in Australia where I lived until my 20’s and studied Psychology for Social Work at the University of Sydney. I then relocated to Tokyo, Japan where I resided for 7 years, followed by Miami for 12 years prior to finding home in St. Petersburg since 2020. Some would say I took the tourist route! Read More>>

Marisa Papetti

By the time I was 17, I moved out of my parents’ home, though I would have left earlier if I could. I had been self-sufficient for years, handling everything from homework, managing the household, raising my brother and managing unexpected visitors. Independence wasn’t just a goal; it was second nature. Read More>>

Kylie Pohlman

Growing up I was always a very “happy go lucky” girl. I never worried about anything, I just kind of went about life with not a care in the world. I was always told to just be myself and that’s what I did. When I got a little older, I realized that no matter how much I want to be myself, people are going to talk, they’re going to find a way to pull you down. I definitely struggled a bit with anxiety (which I still do struggle with), self-doubt, and self-worth. Read More>>

Lukasz Bielawski

My optimism comes from my passion for New York City and the joy of sharing its beauty with the world. Every day, I get to see the city through my lens—its energy, history, and ever-changing skyline—and that keeps me inspired. The incredible community of followers who engage with my content and appreciate my work also fuels my positivity. As a creator and entrepreneur, I focus on opportunities and growth, always looking for ways to bring more people into the magic of NYC. Read More>>

Marlee Liss

Hi, I’m Marlee Liss (she/her), the founder of Survivors 4 Justice Reform. We are a global coalition of survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence and/or human trafficking who are using our voices to advocate for MORE justice options including Restorative & Transformative Justice. I’ve been doing this work since 2017 and everyday, I hear stories of trauma and violence. It would be natural to feel burnt out or to be consumed with an ominous sense that the world is terrible but I don’t feel that way and here’s why: Read More>>

Anna Poisson

There is a word in German language that describes a particular sort of optimism that I consciously try to cultivate in my life: die Zuversicht. It means more or less to “believe in the future”. To believe that there is a positive future for oneself. It is a belief but also an attitude. That does not mean being naive or blinding out the reality. Read More>>

Sallie Werst

I’ve always been a sort of inherently joyful person and I think a lot of that comes from not stopping to question why too often. Haha! This is particularly challenging I suppose as I am also a person who loves information. I think there are many different chapters that have added to this throughout my life as I’ve needed them but let’s start at the beginning Read More>>

Dayron Fernandez

My optimism came from my mom. She told me since I was a kid always think positive, being optimism and try to spect the best. Things goes better when you think positive and see the positive side of the things. Read More>>

Angela Kalish

Having grown up in the 21st century, it feels like I’ve only known a world that is said to be falling apart. At least, that’s what everyone else is always saying. I grew up with everyone around me saying that things were so much better twenty years ago, that everything is horrible now, and that society is crumbling. When it’s become normal to have a pessimistic outlook on the world, the ability to remain optimistic isn’t just priceless; it’s almost an act of rebellion. Read More>>

Biff Swenson

to find purpose in the mundane or extracurricular, but these are the things that bring some of us purpose. I have to completely check out from reality in order to stay productive and optimistic. I have to choose to see the vision and work towards the goal regardless of the things that bring me down or otherwise occupy my thoughts in my down time. Read More>>

Camille Tamayo

My optimism comes from every day practice of gratitude, prayer, and discipline for spiritual growth. Read More>>

Elena Yi

My optimism comes from the enthusiasm I have for art. Since I was little, I always dreamed of studying art, even though life often led me in other directions. Despite the detours, art was never far from my mind. When I moved to the US, I had the privilege of meeting my art teacher, Yudong Shen, who introduced me to drawing and painting in a whole new way. Under his guidance, I explored everything from light and shadow to color mixing and mixed media. Read More>>

Tom Ray

My optimism comes from the trials and tribulations of growing up in poverty stricken communities. Where unfornately, most are pessimistic, as for myself i have declared to change the narrative. Seeing all as well, knowing that all things serves a purpose and my faith in God has giving me the perspective to see life through an optimistic lens. Read More>>

Benton

Honestly my optimism comes from growing up watching anime and reading comic books. From a very early age I understood that anything was possible. Read More>>

Licette Sangiovanni

My optimism comes from my personal and professional experience as a psychotherapist. Personally, through my faith, I have learned to embrace the natural rhythms of life. I learned that faith isn’t about expecting things to come easy, its about believing each challenge we face has a purpose and meaning. My faith has given me a sense to trust the unseen. Regardless of whether I am in a season of difficulty or uncertainty in life, leaning into optimistic thinking allows me to create space for growth, healing, and change. I truly believe that even during the most painful times in life, challenges hold meaning and optimism fosters possibilities for renewal. Read More>>

Andrea Hitpas

My optimism grows from a continuous gratitude practice. I find that focusing on the good in life fuels gratitude which fuels optimism. It’s not always easy in this crazy world we live in, but with a continuous gratitude practice, I feel more optimistic. Read More>>

E. Vincent Martinez

I’m always being accused of being an optimist – as if it were a bad thing. Being an optimist doesn’t mean that you’re out of touch with reality or that you’re oblivious to everything. I find that optimism fosters a healthier approach and outlook to life, love and career. It allows you to problem solve more effectively and successfully. Optimism is power. I get mine from my mother who is a strong, positive light full of love and optimism. Read More>>

Stephen Lane

You know, working in entertainment—every day feels like a brand-new adventure. I’ve been in this business for nearly three decades now, and I’m still just as energized by it as when I first started. Honestly, it’s the variety that keeps me on my toes. One day, I’m talking to a filmmaker about an iconic piece from their movie that’s been sitting in a warehouse for years, and the next, I’m working with a fan who’s been hunting for that same piece their entire life. The thrill of matching up those worlds—that’s what really keeps me going. Read More>>

Trena Shakir

My optimism comes from being a Soldier for 20 years in the Army. Being optimistic about everything in life is the best way to success. I have always lived in a way that I look for positive outcomes in anything that I do. Read More>>

Miriam Gennari

It is hard to pinpoint the exact source of my optimism in my younger years. Leaving home at fifteen and becoming a single mother of two by twenty-five meant I was always in survival mode; my optimism was driven by sheer determination not to fail my daughter’s. Overcoming challenges and holding onto big dreams helped shape my outlook on life. Read More>>

Michelle Marie King

My optimism comes from my unwavering belief in human potential and the power of mentorship to change lives. I’ve witnessed firsthand how a single connection, a guiding voice, or a moment of support can be the difference between someone feeling lost and someone finding their purpose. Read More>>