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?
Thomas Hopson
My optimism is rooted in a few things; life experiences, my faith in God and my children. Navigating life’s journey, I never had anything to gain from being pessimistic but i gained something from every obstacle, opportunity or goal from seeing the positive in it. Read more>>
Samantha Majors
My optimism comes from the foundation my family built for me. Growing up, my parents and relatives always made sure I felt supported and encouraged. They spoke to me with kindness, but they were also honest, teaching me that true support means both lifting someone up and guiding them with truth. Read more>>
Nikole Marston
My optimism comes from the struggles I’ve faced in life. I’ve learned that even in the hardest moments, there’s always something to hold onto—whether it’s hope, lessons learned, or the simple fact that pain doesn’t last forever. Choosing to focus on the positive doesn’t mean life is easy; it means I believe there’s always a way forward. Read more>>
Heber Stanton
My optimism comes from the process of creating something out of nothing. When I first started, I didn’t have a big team or any large resources to my disposal. It was just me. Where I am now is proof that patience and persistence really does work. I’m trying to carry that feeling into how I run my business. Read more>>
Yannick Mourcia
My optimism comes from a mix of resilience, creativity, and curiosity. Working in film, post-production, and now developing CineVRse, I’ve learned that every challenge is also an opportunity to invent something new. When a scene doesn’t work, when a deadline feels impossible, or when funding takes longer than expected, I try to see it less as a wall and more as a redirection. Read more>>
Tyler Herwig
My optimism comes from my life experiences and my journey through music and recovery. There was a time in my life when I felt completely lost — battling addiction, doubt, and the belief that my dreams were too far out of reach. But through grace, hard work, and the support of my family, I rebuilt my life and found purpose again. Read more>>
Marthann Masterson
I have always felt like good things were going to come which is amazing when you consider how my early life began. I am the middle daughter of 2 alcoholic parents. I watched my parents self destruct little by little from drinking. I was only 15 when our lives started to demise. Read more>>
Charmain Taylor
I developed my positive outlook by starting my mornings by listening to positive affirmations, journal at least 3 things that I am grateful for as well as before bed. While I am sleeping, I have positive affirmations playing to reinforce a positive outlook first thing in the morning. Read more>>
Kenny Wright
I’m not sure I’m always as optimistic as I could be, especially with what’s going on in the world today, but I try to maintain some level of optimism that things will work out. Read more>>
Ernest Gundo
I get my optimism from a mix of two things: my faith in Jesus Christ, and my background and vision. My faith gives me the deepest foundation — I know God has a plan for me, and that even in hard times He’s shaping something greater. That assurance allows me to see hope where others might only see setbacks. Read more>>
Franco Gandolfi
“My optimism comes from my work with people — students, colleagues, and leaders across the globe. Time and again, I’ve seen the extraordinary potential that individuals and organizations can unlock when they are given the right guidance and opportunities. For me, optimism is not blind positivity; it is a disciplined conviction that progress is always possible. Read more>>
Just Angel
Optimism is a funny word. It presents itself in the form of hope, but lowkey. You aren’t jumping out of you skin with absolute assuredness. You are, more, so, designated to the idea that things will work out. I have always had that in me. Read more>>
Greta Zenelaj
My optimism comes from God and His calling. I truly believe that He placed me here with a purpose, and that gives me both hope and strength, no matter the challenges I face. Whenever I feel discouraged, I look back at how God has guided me in the past and it reminds me to trust Him for the future. Read more>>
Priya Tahim
Optimism is a funny thing. Some say it’s naive to be optimistic, but i think that being optimistic allows you to have hope. Being optimistic doesn’t mean you don’t acknowledge the realistic challenges that lay in front of you-but it does help you see that there is always some sort of light at the end of the tunnel. Read more>>
Anissa Juarez
My optimism didn’t come from a life without challenges—it came from how I was taught to meet them. Since I was little, my parents reminded me to keep trying, no matter what. Sometimes that encouragement showed up after a test I didn’t do well on, other times when I was faced with big life choices and unsure of the right direction. Read more>>
ALMA FIGUEROA
I wasn’t always an optimistic person. But during one of the most challenging times of my life—raising four boys on my own—I realized that I had a choice: I could let negativity consume me, or I could rise above it. For the sake of my children and my own well-being, I chose to step into a new mindset. That shift changed everything. Read more>>
Negar Namdar
My optimism comes directly from the way I was raised. As an only child and the only granddaughter on both sides of my family, I grew up in an environment where every dream I voiced was met with trust rather than doubt. That belief taught me early on to see challenges not as walls in my way, but as puzzles waiting to be solved. Read more>>
Aja Dawson
My optimism comes from my perspective on challenges and growth. I’ve learned that setbacks are often opportunities in disguise, so instead of focusing on what went wrong, I look at what I can learn and how I can improve. I also draw optimism from my upbringing and the people around me—family, mentors, and colleagues who’ve shown me the value of perseverance and positivity. Read more>>
Chris Begley
My optimism really comes from community. From the very beginning, that’s what I wanted to build with Head Trip, a space where people feel welcome to share what they love, laugh together, and have fun, thoughtful conversations without judgment. Read more>>
Noe De La Cruz
My optimism stems from the opportunities, the possibilities, and, overall, the breadth of the world and its inherent ambiguity. It always has been something that I wondered when I was younger to look into different paths and ways, and just have a vision of what could be possible. Why not go big? Read more>>
Khalidah Robinson
My optimism comes from knowing I could win any moment of any day. My optimism comes from the abundance that is experience. My optimism comes from understanding that any challenge is a catalyst of deeper understanding on my path. Everything happens for us not TO US! Read more>>
Grissell Sanchez
My optimism comes entirely from my daughter. Becoming a mother changed the way I see life and gave me the courage to dream bigger. Every decision I’ve made in my business, every risk I’ve taken even starting over in a new city has been driven by the desire to build a better future for her. Read more>>
Christina Liddicoat
At many points in life, there are highs and lows, much like a rollercoaster. And during the highs, you feel on top of the world and positive. But at the low points, you can feel depressed and unsure about life. For me, even on the high or low points, I continue to believe in the positives and surround myself with people who support my well-being. Read more>>
Fairren McLemore
My belief in God’s promises fuels hope even in hard seasons. Verses like Romans 8:28 “All things work together for good” shape my perspective, reminding me that my struggles have purpose. My passion for uplifting people, through my books, advocacy, and encouragement, keeps my focus on positive possibilities rather than obstacles. Read more>>
Nikki Scandalous
I have an undeniable knowing that it will always work out for me. Because I live in my truth and I’m a good person, I trust that the universe will always provide. That faith is where my optimism comes from. It’s not about ignoring struggles or pretending everything is perfect. I have been through a lot, I’ve built from nothing, and I’ve faced setbacks. Read more>>
Annabella Tessier
My optimism comes from experience, especially the moments that felt impossible but turned out to be pivotal. I’ve been through seasons of doubt, burnout, and uncertainty, but every time I came out stronger, more grounded, and more sure of who I am. That’s what gave me hope. Read more>>
Sraw Arellano
My optimism comes from my faith and hard work. I believe that if you dedicate yourself to improving at what you love, it’s only a matter of time before it pays off. When you put enough time, effort, and heart into something, success becomes inevitable. Read more>>
Greg Hex
True optimism, I think, comes from a maker’s joy in the art of creation. Optimism grows as the purpose behind your creating begins to resonate with others. Then you have inspiration. Our belief, that preparing and sharing food is an act of love, is a mindful way to integrate and elevate ordinary everyday tasks into something special. Read more>>
Miyako Hart
I think my optimism is a mix of my nature and my conscious choice to stay positive. Of course, things don’t always go as planned, and we all face challenges. I do get down sometimes, like anyone else, but I’m pretty good at switching my mindset and bouncing back quickly. It’s not just something I’m born with—I also make an effort to stay optimistic. Read more>>
Cherlyn Carby
My optimism comes from my mother.She is a woman of faith. The kind who doesn’t just speak about trusting God but lives it every day. Growing up, I watched her walk with a steady confidence that came from knowing Yahweh was always in control. She didn’t panic when things changed. She prayed. She listened. She led with peace and purpose. Read more>>
Amber Zuniga
My optimism comes from a deep belief that things can always change and grow—even when they’re hard. I’ve learned through experience that challenges, while uncomfortable, often lead to the most meaningful breakthroughs. Read more>>
Liz Alterman
I think it’s important to surround yourself with positive, upbeat people who can cheer you on just as you root for them. Without hope or optimism, the world is pretty bleak. When I chose to start writing with an eye toward publishing, I knew it would be an uphill climb. Hope and optimism have gotten me through some challenging times as rejections stacked up. Read more>>
Marbelin Arias
My optimism is rooted in resilience, courage, and a deep sense of self-motivation that fuels both my work and my passion. It also stems from self-awareness and my life journey—growing up on food banks in a small mobile home in the suburbs of Illinois. Read more>>
Kevin Wilkes
I am not sure where it comes from. I believe it is a collection of experiences and having the support of friends and family. I try to operate from faith not fear. I think that one lesson I have learned from surfing is if I stay persistent good things usually happen, not always. And to be grateful for those magic moments and surprises. Read more>>
Josh Maxon
My optimism? I don’t think that it comes from anywhere, really. Of course it gets hard to maintain sometimes, but I think my natural state is somewhat optimistic. Read more>>
Haley Kyong A Oh
People often tell me that I have a positive outlook, whether it was during school or at work. For me, optimism comes from a kind of confidence so strong it can even convince myself. Read more>>
Ciara Metzger
Looking for a silver lining has always come naturally to me. When I think about where my sense of optimism comes from, I can’t help but think of my mom. We’ve always joked that she has a little black rain cloud following her around—she’s faced more than her fair share of bad luck over the years. Read more>>
