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?

Carlton Jones

My optimism comes from a knowing that I’m pursuing the path I’m destined to be on. Optimism doesn’t feel forced—it feels like remembering who I’ve always been and who I’m growing to be.. That kind of clarity gives me confidence that I’m meant to succeed.”

“I’ve faced enough setbacks to know what doesn’t break me makes me more focused. Each challenge has shaped me with a stronger sense of self and vision. That track record fuels my optimism—because I’ve seen myself rise again and again.” Read More>>

Navya Arora

I have come to realize that my optimism is rooted in my relationship with time. I don’t expect things to happen instantly — I trust that they unfold when the conditions are ready. That belief makes me resilient. Even when things are uncertain, I feel a deeper faith that there’s a hidden system at work. Read More>>

Gala Magriñá

All of the spiritual work I’ve done—including twice daily meditation, studying ancient knowledge, reading spiritual and self-help books and attending spiritual and wellness retreats—has helped me in a myriad of ways, but when it comes to sources of optimism, two things stand out:

It’s helped me see how the world really works, recognizing that everything is energy and that thoughts and words become things. By staying mindful of what I think and say, I can actively shape a reality I want to create. Additionally, understanding that every experience, whether “good” or “bad”, is a necessary part of my journey helps me stay optimistic and grounded even in times of stress. Read More>>

Lisa Willett

I believe optimism is born of curiosity and always leaving room for possibilities. My lifelong art practice has helped to form a strong relationship with optimism because I never quit on a piece of art; I just keep going until it gets to a place that brings me to an emotion. I may put a piece away if I get bored or frustrated with it, but eventually I come back to it and keep going. I think I approach my whole life like this…running a business, relationships, parenting…optimism is a necessity for me. Optimism is a skill that can be developed if we persevere. Just consider every possibility, don’t be afraid of failure, and keep going. Read More>>

Gerardo Garcia Jr

My mom was diagnosed with kidney failure at the age of 18. Since then, she has had multiple kidney transplants. She has endured this vicious disease’s mental and physical trauma her entire adult life. Yet, that did not deter her from being a great mom to me and my sister.

I remember having similar childhoods as other Mexican-Americans; Mom chasing me around the house with a chancla in her hand. When others would have simply quit, she persevered. I strongly believe this was because of her optimistic outlook of life. In order for us to not be consumed by our troubles (everyone has them), we must maintain an optimistic view of the future. This is where I get my optimism from. Read More>>

Nora Tuck

I actually have a double answer to this question, and it might sound like a funny pairing. First? Star Wars. I’m completely serious! I grew up on the stories from a galaxy far, far away (Return of the Jedi is still my favorite), and if there’s one theme the saga drives home, it’s hope—just look at the title of the original movie. Optimism flows from living with hope. Star Wars shows us that hope isn’t naïve or passive. It’s active, gritty, and worth fighting for. Even in the darkest moments, there’s a greater force at work, and it’s working for good. Evil might win battles, but it was never destined to win the war. Read More>>

Jenny Martin

My optimism comes from experience, not just the good moments, but especially the hard ones. I’ve learned that even when things go wrong, they usually lead to growth, clarity, or unexpected opportunities. Working in events has taught me that no day goes exactly as planned, but if you stay calm, flexible, and solution-oriented, things always work out in some way.

I also think my optimism is rooted in my belief that people generally want to do good work, have meaningful experiences, and feel valued, and if I can help create an environment where that’s possible, then I feel hopeful about what we can accomplish together. Read More>>

Heather Morrow

The January 7, 2025, Eaton Fire took my Altadena home and ceramic studio, forcing me to reflect deeply on optimism—what it means, and how it endures in the face of great loss.

I’ve always been an optimist, believing in the good in people and situations until proven otherwise. Even in hardship, I focus on what “can” be done, searching for ways to move forward rather than dwell on what’s beyond my control. Read More>>

Kenny Ravage

“It’s All Part of the Story”: How Hitting Rock Bottom Rekindled My Passion for Music

I’ve always believed that everything happens for a reason. It’s not just a comforting phrase, it’s something that’s consistently proven true in my life, especially when things felt like they were falling apart. Sometimes, what feels like a setback is actually life redirecting you to where you’re meant to be. Read More>>

Jessica Sloan

It’s honestly something I’ve had since I was little. I’ve always chosen to see the good, even when it’s really hard to find. When things get tough, I focus on what brings me joy—whether that’s creating, connecting with people, or simply doing something that feels meaningful. I truly believe that after every storm, no matter how big or small, there will be sunshine. It’s about making it through the storm long enough to see the sun again. And it will be there. Read More>>

 Jordan Davies

Throughout my life as an athlete, I’ve had all types of coaches, and I’m fortunate to say, the majority of them were good and all of them taught me valuable life lessons.

I’m not sure which coach helped me develop the “It Could Always Be Worse” mentality, but everyday that helps to drive my positive mindset. One of my first mentors, Jason, instilled in me that an unwritten rule in this industry is to always make their day better. Now, I’ve adapted the mindset that it could always be worse, but I’m here to make it better. Read More>>

Kabuya’s Krafts

My mom named me Joyce because she said that I, her first child, brought her joy, and that I would bring joy to the world. I’ve always been a naturally happy person. Even as a child, I would wave and talk to everyone we passed in public. My mom would gently hush me, laughing in embarrassment when strangers smiled and waved back. She always celebrated me. Good grades meant new Barbies and trips to Chuck E. Cheese’s, and she constantly filled our home with encouragement. Read More>>

Angel Ceasar

Faith in god. Nothing compromises my faith in god and my ability to take on anything that life throws at me. The ability to let go and not try to control everything in life is not only a practice for me but a religion. Read More>>

Gingababa

My optimism comes from my creativity and the collective creativity at large. This creative energy is my personal renewable source that transforms challenges into opportunities for innovation. I am constantly reminded of my agency in shaping my circumstances. It is also a connection to humanity’s shared innovative spirit. Even in difficult moments, I am in awe of the new solutions, different perspective, or even delightful distractions creativity offers. As long as I have the ability and will to make and produce things, I feel good about my future and everything around me. Read More>>

Nishanth Jegajothi

It just comes from my need to be good and to see the good in people and to hope one day everyone will treat others with respect as long as you do the same. Read More>>

Crystal Yang

My optimism comes from moments of pure joy I’ve seen in blind kids using Audemy. One time, a child was playing our car-counting game, and every time a new car sound played, he lit up with excitement—laughing, guessing, and celebrating each right answer like it was magic. That joy, that engagement, reminds me of what’s possible. It shows me that with the right tools, learning can be fun, empowering, and inclusive. It’s those little moments that keep me hopeful and driven. Read More>>

Mike Fitzgerald

I have always been a pretty optimistic person, I tend to think that comes from my mother. Growing up, and to this day, she tends to focus on the bright side of things and she never dwells on negatives. Similarly, I don’t like to focus on unfortunate outcomes, especially those that are out of my control, and I always try to find a silver lining.

I have learned over time that things tend to work out eventually, one way or another. New challenges bring opportunities to take risks and it’s okay to be wrong sometimes. Mistakes and poor decisions can be the best opportunities for growth. I like to think of everything as a potentially good story to tell one day, especially mini-disasters that you can learn from, those can be particularly memorable. Read More>>