Optimism

I am always amazed at how superficial advertisements are around this time of year. It is usually about becoming healthier, thinner, and in better shape. Have you ever seen an add to become a better person or to help others? Many people work towards these goals, but never seem to find happiness with themselves or their surroundings.

So many people are wishing that the year 2009 didn't happen or one reason or another, or are so excited about 2010. What happened to living in the moment? I know that 2009 was tough for a lot of people, it was for me as well, but I don't wish that it never happened. There was a lot of good that happened and a lot of firsts occurred. I don't think it's wise to wish away a year of your life, even if it was extremely tough. People always jump on the bandwagon around this time of year, and state all of the things they are going to change and consider how they are going to start over fresh. Isn't that what each new day is for? One is never stuck, there are always choices one can make. People need to keep in mind that not making a choice IS a choice.

I am on a mission in the disability community, to help make it a place where people without disabilities are not afraid or expect the worst of people with disabilities. We are just people, too. I wonder if people without disabilities will ever consider not terminating a pregnancy because there is a possible diagnosis of a disability. When everyone pictures their lives, they picture a "happily ever after." They get married, have a career they love, have a child, a roof over their head. They always say that they will love their child no matter what, but I again think that many times people are being superficial. The rate of babies born with Down Syndrome has decreased. Not because genetisists have figured out the chromosomal abnormalities, but because more women are terminating their pregnancies. If we can decide that a baby with Down Syndrome cannot lead a successful, happy life, then who's to say that people won't start terminating pregnancies because of low IQs, heart defects, etc. I just wish that one day people would see people with disabilities as PEOPLE and not only people with disabilities.

"No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. If everyone does something, then everything will get done."

This may be an optimstic view, but I truly believe that we should expect the best possible outcomes. Optimism is a doctrine, a way of life. It is a blief that the universe is improving. However, being optimistic is not about "fixing" problems, but about living in a way that always recognizes challenges and sees them as opportunities! I guess you could say that I am perptually optimistic!