by Timothy Ruth

Created on: February 17, 2007   Last Updated: May 11, 2007

A heated passion for this one. America has terrible impressions of life.

Negative attitudes start at a young life. If you are older, think back to the golden days as many adults call it, high school. Pupils complain in general about having to get up in the morning and attending class. What a privilege! There are kids around the world, terribly eager to have the opportunity to learn, and make the best out of their mind. Yet so many avoid books and education any way possible. American movies depict the hatred for learning, such as Ferris Bueler's Day Off. How can people not want to take advantage of the resources available to them. Kids in Africa and other 3rd world countries crave the opportunity to learn. Attending this private school, Koreans, Chinese, Africans, Mexicans, Spaniards and several other nationalities seem to realize the road to success better than the Americans, who have gotten used to having everything handed to them. They are living with optimism, knowing they have an outlet to enhance themselves and future. Americans seem to drone about paying for stuff and how bad their lives are...when really it couldn't be more fortunate.

Driving to the Airport in Pennsylvania, you see homeless begging for money. Many say, "The homeless are just going to buy alcohol and cigarettes with the money." That may be so. But I have two different opinions on that, either:

1. They really do need the money for a meal, and if they decide to work by standing outside begging, they deserve the few dollars.

2. If they are desperate enough to put on an act for alcohol, cigarettes, etc., then they deserve the money as well. Those few minutes of happiness with their substance of choice, obviously makes their day better. Standing in the cold asking for loose change was a hard day of work for a simple pleasure in life.

People complain about television shows not coming on, or the clothes they wear, how others appear, and so much more. Life is great! If you have a meal to eat, a roof over your head, you are lucky. Many individuals crave this, yet have no chance to do this.

The most important people to be optimistic, are those with family and friends...which includes a large majority of the population. No matter what, someone will be supporting you in your endeavors, needs, and wants. Its a support base that is very unshakable.

Top five questions to see if you live a worth while life:

1. Did you eat today?
2. Where did you sleep last night...in a house, or warm area?
3. Do you have a hobby and don't you get to do it often?
4. Did you influence someone to help themselves within your life?
5. Do you have a family member or a friend that will always "have your back?"

If you answered yes to any of these question, then you have reason to live with optimism, rather than worry about taxes and death. Always think when you have it rough, someone has it harder, who has trouble fighting taxes so much as living.

I will leave with a short personal story. I was kicked out of my house at 18, with no where to go. I lived on the streets for two weeks, only the clothes on my back were on my side. This was when Hurricane Katrina attacked the Orleans area. I knew that those that had lost meals, homes, past times, and most important family and friends, had it much worse than I did. I was fortunate to have friends that supported me, and helped me find a good home.

Optimism is having a will. And where there is a will, there's a way. Death and taxes were the last thing on my mind.

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