Keep your face always toward the sunshine - 

and shadows will fall behind you.

-Walt Whitman

Optimism, Positivity, hopefulness. These qualities all seem prevalent in Whitman. Many of modern day Americans spend so much time worrying and wallowing in events that are occurring in the now, holding them down. Keep hopeful, stay positive, and remain optimistic. Looking for the light at the end of the tunnel rather than being stuck in the dark will create a greater purpose for one's life. Be aware of where and who you are, but stay positive.

Gratitude > Happiness or Gratitude < Happiness

Happiness was the topic of discussion on a Tedx podcast. What I found interesting was the differing views on happiness between each person. Although their views were lined with contrasting beliefs, each person across the board took into account the importance of gratitude.

Within gratitude can each of us find our "happiness"? I believe so, gratitude does not sprout from happiness but rather it is the other way around. By being grateful, a certain attitude is developed within oneself. One is able to appreciate, one becomes humble, one is truly able to see the blessings that are presented to him each day. Gratitude slows down the constant glutton of wanting more, it allows us to reflect on the remarkable no matter the situation.

Marcus Aurelius quote "truth"

Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not a truth.

Marcus Aurelius

I believe that Marcus is making a very valid point through this quote. People hold very different beliefs and opinions across the board. To hear and to see are both senses that extend to our own being. These senses collect information and each person may interpret this information differently. 

The idea of opinions and perspectives have been around since the beginning of mankind, whether or not they knew what it was. Slaves were seen as lesser to their captors. Music may be interpreted as beauty or just plain old racket. It is an opinion. 

Who is who to determine what is a fact and what is a truth? If there was a person like that, it would really be his opinion and his perspective that he is trying to extend the idea of fact and truth over.

Personal Statement

The idea of "success" is vague because it can be interpreted differently by each and every person. One person's thought of succeeding may be very different from another, but to me, the idea of success means to achieve the goals that one holds near. This may mean that success to one person is making 1 million dollars, it may mean getting straight A's while it also may just mean providing for one's children. I feel that the ambiguity within the principle of success is what makes it applicable to every single person because everyone strides to accomplish something in their life, no matter how meager that goal may be. Goals are what push people beyond what they are in the present. Some say that living life in the now is stupid, but the choices and decisions that a person makes in their life right now is something that can drastically develop who they become in life. The "law of attractions" is an idea that basically says, if you want something so bad it will eventually come to you. This idea can be considered possible because the "goal" that one sets and that one wants so badly will influence choices in the future with regards to this goal.