Happiness is something we all hope for in this world. It seems that some are born into it with their circumstances dictating a happy existence. While others are burdened with hardships which seem to prevent true happiness from happening. You hear of miraculous stories of overcoming in spite of many adversities, yet in each of these cases besides the persons tremendous will to endure, I have found a common factor, a single person that believes in the one trying to rise above their circumstances and that person lends a helping hand. What does lending a helping hand mean in this world? In the past, I have been criticized for helping homeless people by giving them any money, even a dollar. I wonder why as it seems to me if someone is in such a difficult place that they are begging on the street, one dollar from me is not much, in fact, had I the money to give, I would probably do a lot more. However, that is not how our society has come to view it which to me is quite sad. It seems that it is more acceptable to drive by a poor homeless person in your brand new SUV on your way to getting your nails done, while enjoying a coffee, than do a kind deed. Even sadder is kids today are learning to value wealth, power, celebrities and attitude more than morals and doing what is right. How does that change? Can you or I make a difference? As someone who has survived a number of major life experiences, I find it troubling to see such a lack of empathy for your fellow man. If we all simply reached out with loving kindness to those whose lives we can touch with what we can, I believe this world would be a better place and we all could know true happiness.
Heather Wolf