Guest Author - Katie Byrd
Stuff happens. Things don’t always turn out the way you expect or hope. In fact, sometimes life might seem very difficult. But ask yourself this, “Difficult in comparison to what?”
A recent survey showed that the vast majority of college students believe we currently live in the most trying time of American history. However, a survey of college history professors indicated the majority of teachers see today’s problems as the least challenging. You see, it’s all a matter of perspective.
Compared to eight other extremely difficult periods of U.S. history, 55% of historians said the Civil War, which threatened our nation’s very existence and cost 600 thousand lives, was the toughest time in America. Other choices were the Revolutionary War, the Great Depression, the Vietnam War with its Cultural Revolution of the ‘60s, World War II, the Cold War and World War I.
Historians realize each generation of Americans has had enormous obstacles. Consider the 1930’s and 40’s. In three years from 1929 to 1932, the stock market lost 80% of its value, challenging the lives of millions of people. 11,000 of 25,000 banks failed. Manufacturing fell 54%, putting 15 million people out of work. Many lost their homes and had no place to live and nothing to eat. The country had to go through both the Great Depression and World War II, with the loss of half a million American soldiers, before the country got back on its feet.
So, are we living in tough times? Compared to what? Most people get caught up in the news programs which always show our present condition as dark and hopeless. That’s how they hook you into staying tuned for more gloom and doom. Don’t buy it. Don’t be controlled by their agenda.
Keep things in perspective. They’re never as bad as they seem. Step back, look at life objectively and ask “What’s the opportunity here?” This question can open up a whole new world of possibilities. No matter how bleak present conditions may appear, by being creative rather than reactive you can both survive and thrive.
“Sunny Side of the Street” was one of the most popular songs back in the thirties. It was my grandparents’ wedding song. “Grab your coat and get your hat,” my grandmother used to sing to me. “Leave your worries on the door step. Just direct your feet to the sunny side of the street.”
Looking for the sunny side gave my grandmother hope during the hard times and kept her focused on her desires. It can do the same for you. After all “Life can be so sweet on the sunny side of the street!” So why not live there?
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