Someone sent this to my wife earlier today and it is a good perspective to think about our lives, our area, state and country. It was a few years ago when the girls were little that we shut off the TV in our house. I mean shut off as in no cable, no antenna, no nothing. We had trouble getting them to focus on chores around the house and schoolwork. There was a short time of withdrawal, but they quickly got through that. From then on we played games, read books, got our work done and had fun together. We did not worry about what the latest bad news on TV was or what the latest fads were. That lasted between five and six years. I think we caved in and got some TV back in our house again when some of the more severe storms came through the area and we wanted to be a bit better informed for safety.
Well Kevin, what does this quote or your story have to do with anything? I thought you were running for the office of representative for the State of Iowa, not some inspirational speaker. True, but they do relate to each other.
Let's look at our daily lives. How often do you hear any of these phrases: "My boss is a jerk! I hope that little car that cut me off crashes. I spilled food on my clothes right before an appointment. Oh great, now comes another speeding ticket! My dog ate my homework! I stepped in a dog's pile right before coming in the house!" If you let excuses or anger take over you will most likely fail because none of your efforts are looking ahead at what positives can be attained from these experiences.
Now take a look at the news, particularly government. How often do you hear any of these phrases: "Taxes to rise again soon. Budget shortfall predicted. New law keeps loophole open for worst offenses. No hope seen in latest negotiations. Officials indicted. Favors for cronies."
Again, if all we do is listen to the worst we will probably all give up and pull the blankets over our heads and hide waiting for the end to come. OR we can experience, learn and focus on how these situations can be used to make changes for the better. Sure, there is some short term withdrawal symptoms, or pain or anger. It is really easy to stew in our own anger, but let's launch forward together into the great area and state that we can become.
Our district has about 25,000 people. We fight and fuss and feud with each other while getting all of the bad news on top of it from our government. We don't think we can change things, or we think there is some system to solve all of our problems so we don't have to worry about it. This is where the greatest opportunity is missed. Don't be a complainer, but actively think and work toward solutions while realizing the possible good that came from the bad. Our district can look at the problems that our state government has either contributed to or ignored here. If we take the perspective that we have a sprawling community of 25,000, maybe we can work better together to solve our own issues locally. When circumstances drag you back, when government drags you back, keep focused, take aim and expect greatness. Take aim at the problems and stay straight and true to the course.
Excellent!
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