|
|
You know how, oftentimes, people will exclaim how our world is such a horrible
place filled with corruption, animosity, and hatred? Take for example, the
recent War on Iraq that became one of the hottest headlines across the globe
over the past few months.
Even on Whyville, there is speech about negativity -- from hackers to beggars to
complainers -- and we tend to pick the pessimistic viewpoints to write about.
Why do you think the newspapers, television broadcasts, magazines, and other
forms of media are cluttered with this dubious disease?
I would be the first to say that this world is not all bad, and there are
individuals who have strived to make a difference in the lives of people around
them. In recent memory, I can think of many that fit this characterization.
Mother Theresa, Martin Luther King Jr., Ghandi, Harriet Tubman... even, to a
lesser extent, celebrities
like Oprah Winfrey or the musicians from the world-wide known band, U2.
However, you do not need to be a celebrity or world-renowned figure to be
considered "great" or have the capacity to change another life. What about the
people who dedicate their entire lives to find cures for diseases like cancer,
or the Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome (aka the SARS virus)? They also create their own miracles helping people survive and cope
with their ailments and provide others with hope and courage. I have a friend
who wishes to become a scientist, and work for a pharmaceutical company
searching for a cure for cancer. Can't she make a difference?
Eminence does not just stop there, folks. We have doctors who help people daily,
firefighters who risk their lives, teachers who inspire, veterinarians who
save the lives of animals... and the list does not stop there. Let us not
forget about the people behind Whyville who promote learning, growth, and
courtesy.
Obeying stop signs -- that can be a form of greatness in itself, do you not
agree? For if everyone obeyed the laws that were established (and reasonable), many problems
would not arise. What about the people who put forth much effort to obey and
follow the laws and rules governed to them... are they not a symbol of greatness?
Oops, I heard it again! Is it that difficult to hear and think something
positive about
ourselves and the people around us?! It may be for some people, so I propose a
challenge for you! Go an entire day without saying anything negative --
and concentrate on the positive around you, whether it is an event or a person.
Admit it... you're great! Despite what some people may think, you have the
potential to do wonderful things! Take up the challenge, and if you find that it
does not work for you, then continue with your pessimism. I admit that I can be
a pessimist at times, but I can also be an optimist! Today, I chose to be an
optimist...
The District Sleeps Alone Tonight,
TIKE
|
