Where does your optimism come from?

Optimism is the invisible ingredient that powers so much of the incredible progress in society – from entrepreneurs and investors to artists and creatives who believe in something and are optimistic enough to risk their time, money, and reputation. We asked some of the most optimistic folks we know where they think they get their optimism form.

Corey Bell

This is a great question, especially when you consider the social, political and economic declines and clashes we are currently experiencing. Optimism in it’s simplest terms mean to think the very best thing will always happen.. With this understanding, I consider my faith to be the foundation of my hope. Read more>>

Aliyaah Jackson

I believe my optimism comes from being around my Aunt. When I was younger I would always go to Georgia for the summer, and majority of the time was spent with her. She was an all around kind hearted person, and no matter the situation, she would always look at the positive outcome to it. Seeing her positive mindset allowed me to learn and master the same mindset. Read more>>

Heather Magee

I am naturally optimistic! My faith gives me that drive to always look for the good and the positive first. Which serves me with working with the public. Bringing a natural easy breezy light to someone is so important these days. For me, every single morning starts with hope. Hope is very optimistic, right? Having that optimistic foresight helps to serve my drive to accomplish things. So, in essence, I think I’m just born with it. Read more>>

Alena Zozulenko

My optimism is rooted in the belief that, despite the challenges and setbacks we encounter, there is always potential for growth, positive change, and resilience in the human spirit. It’s fostered by the inspiring stories of individuals who have overcome adversity, the beauty of nature that reminds me of the world’s inherent goodness, and the power of human connection that fuels hope for a better future. Read more>>

Kari Kron Schmitz

The core of my eternal optimism comes from my father. He was always finding the “bright side” of any situation, good or bad, and I unknowingly picked up his mindset. When something doesn’t go quite right, my immediate reaction is: “Well, at least this part went okay,” or “It could be worse.” Read more>>

Andrea Brody

My optimism comes from recovery from chronic pain. When you’re in pain all the time, it’s hard to see the exit from that cycle. I’ve had to work on my mindset, practice mindfulness, meditation and Pilates to help me find relief from pain. This process helped me see the positive side of life. Read more>>

Gregg Erwin

I believe that if you woke up this morning still alive and above the dirt it’s a good day! Sure there are things that will be you down and cause struggles, but, that is what makes us who we are. You can always choose how you’re going to deal with things and keep your head up, be thankful. Read more>>

Launa D. Romoff

As children we learn from example. I had a grandfather that, even though he escaped from the Pogroms to this country, always looked at things positively. He would take us for long walks when we were very young (he died when I was 5 yrs. old) and point out the beauty of nature and discarded objects we saw along the walk. He always had something nice to say about people and people in the neighborhood loved him. I feel that gave me a lens to look though most of my life. Read more>>

Skye Noel Wagner

To be honest, I think that I was born with it. I have also always had an extreme curiosity towards life, and I feel that the two qualities tie together. From as early on as I can remember, I wanted to explore and understand all parts of life, and it was fun for me to learn. I always knew that when I find something out or experience something, there was always something great on the other side of it. Read more>>

Teju Owoye

As an entrepreneur, it is important to have optimism. The road to starting and growing a business can be filled with many unexpected twists and turns. Sometimes having an optimistic outlook is the only way to get through. First and foremost, I’ve very fortunate to have grown up in a family where optimism was a core value. Read more>>

Jessica Coghill

As an integrative nutritionist, my wellspring of optimism flows from a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of holistic wellness. Witnessing the remarkable journey of individuals as they navigate their paths towards vibrant health and improved quality of life fuels my positivity. Through the art of reframing, I’ve observed how shifting perspectives can illuminate new avenues for growth and healing. Read more>>

Danielle Brown

I have been always known as the one to lift people up, I am the one people call when they need a motivational push or just some light in their life. What most don’t know is that person did not alway exist. I was a teen mom, struggling to find my way with much adversity coming my way. Read more>>

Gerardo Christ

My optimism comes from having nothing to loose and everything to gain . I have lived and worked in mexico I know what its like to work for 3 dollars a day to live in a shack with dirt floors no water no electricity any i feel like whem you come from real poverty and real violence and real ignorance you end up being a beast in the American world . Read more>>

Colette Hebert

My optimism comes from the deep connection I have with my inner self and my ability to express my emotions through art and dance. Creating art and dancing tango are both therapeutic and liberating experiences for me. They allow me to explore and express my emotions, which helps me maintain a positive outlook on life. Read more>>

Hila / Halo Plitmann

I open my eyes and am amazed and in awe of being alive! I have been doing a daily gratitude practice for a good many years now, and for me the cliché holds true – the more awareness is fostered within of the good seen and experienced in world day by day, the more keen the understanding of the miraculous nature of things, and that fills my cup with optimism. It means that I can find and choose Gratitude in all manner of circumstances. Read more>>

Bee Janisch

My optimism in my cake-slinging hustle comes from the fact that everyone will need cake at some point or another. Everyone needs a sugary treat, & the fact that I can be involved in whatever the cake reasoning is so delightful to me. I’ve done break-up cakes, wedding cakes, baby announcement & just-for-fun cakes. Read more>>

Rachael Baptiste

Going through various trials and always remaining in a spirit of hope has always led me to be a person of optimism. Faith and the ability to see things through to the end has helped me persevere in that optimism. Read more>>

Ryan Wesley

“I’ve been fortunate to wear multiple hats in my life as a Director of Aesthetic Services, an Entertainer, a TV personality, and a Public Figure. Throughout my journey, I’ve found my optimism in a combination of experiences, relationships, and my passion for what I do. Read more>>

Talita Guerrero

I believe that positivity is a state of mind. My optimism comes from the inner work that I have done that has allow me to find enough self-awareness so I can make the decision to think positive and be optimistic under any circumstance. You can see the glass half empty or half full it is a choice to interpret the same exact scenario with your own lens. Read more>>

Brooke Ripley

When it comes to the climate crisis, it’s really easy to fall into the trap of eco-anxiety, to feel like we have no power in this global event. But, if we look at it from the perspective of nonhumans, of the microbiomes we’re losing, the endangered animals, of the plants that cannot spread their seeds to more hospitable areas in time, we actually have quite a lot of power. Read more>>

Suzy Ryan

I get up daily and say, “Something GREAT will happen to me today, and I will do something GREAT for someone else today.” “I look for the good in the day, knowing no one can steal my joy, and I choose not to give it away to anyone. From the time I was little, God blessed me with an optimistic outlook and a cheerful spirit. Although I suffered from alcoholic parents, God has redeemed it for His good and my benefit. Read more>>

Candice Mckinnon

My optimism comes from having Faith in God, my children’s future well-being and the generations to come. Anything you put your mind and time into, you can succeed in. It starts with believing in yourself. Be your own hype-man! Read more>>

Jackie Burrow

My optimism is deeply rooted in several aspects of my life, which have continually fueled and shaped my perspective. These aspects include: Read more>>

Samuel Van Fossen

I’ve always been a dreamer, but never really optimistic about my dreams. But after becoming a growing content creator where more and more people followed me for my ideas and humor, I realized there were more people like me. Or at least more people with the same humor as me. And that really has boosted my confidence over time and me more optimistic about my ideas and stories. Read more>>

Kirsten Rudberg

I have to say that my optimism comes from the people I interview for my podcast, Byte Sized Blessings, every single day. Their stories of magic, of inexplicable events, events that have shaped and changed their lives? Each one reminds me that this universe, this world of ours, is intentional and miraculous. That some ineffable force has our backs and walks the journey with us. Read more>>