Reporter's Reflections Archive

I have been reading lately about the importance of a positive outlook in life, and how little things can make a big difference. People with a positive outlook in life live longer, have better personal relationships, have fewer health problems, and are often paid more and accomplish more in the work environment.

 I have also learned that little things, like flowers, or music, or a simple smile can make a difference in the world. Good feelings are contagious--and can spread like an epidemic.

I am tired of hearing that efforts to improve our community and our lives are a lost cause. I am tired of believing that we cannot get better, that things are too far gone, that people will not come together for a common cause.

 I’m tired of hearing it, because I have learned that, with positive outlooks, anything is possible.

 I have to believe that. What is the alternative?

 In the movie, “The Shawshank Redemption,” Tim Robbins, in facing a future in prison, says, “That’s right. Get busy living, or get busy dying.” He escapes from prison the next day.

 Are you living in a prison of negative feelings? Incarcerated in frustration and impossibilities? It is up to you to escape--and it is as easy as changing your outlook on life.

 I have come to a point where I say it is time to either get busy working to improve the things I can--or give up. I am not one to give up easily. Yes, things can be better, and yes, I feel better already, just for believing that simple fact.

We have a choice to either focus on good things, or focus on the negative. We have a choice to hope for the best, or accept the bad. We have a choice to make our community better, with simple flowers or extensive projects. We have the power. These are choices--all within our control.

 Calhoun County is full of blessings--parks, festivals, volunteers and people who care. It is our choice to celebrate these things or to dismiss them. It is a choice to believe we will fail, or believe we will succeed.

If we don’t at least try, we are guaranteed to fail. So, let’s try. Let’s try to make our community better, through blossoms or communication or contributions. Let’s try to assume the best from people--not the worst. Let’s take that light from under the bushel and hold it high.

 And above all, smile. Just the physical act of smiling affects the way your mind works. Just the possibility of a better future will give you hope. Just a spark of hope can fuel a brighter future.