I totally understand what you are saying and believe in what you say is true. That example that I wrote about was from knowing the actual person that got laid off. I added some jazz to the story to give a point-a-view from the employee. I am not saying that I’m safe from what is happening and really do believe that I am lucky with all that I have done and will do in the future. I have friends calling me left and right about getting laid off recently. I have helped them with finding a similar job or doing something totally different with their lives.

It does seem that I am overly positive in what I write. However, through the years I have gotten very cynical about the way I look at the world. I play devil’s advocate and try to put myself in other’s shoes as much as possible.

Most of what I say is from me looking at life from a positive perspective. I do believe “life is what you make of it”, however, I do understand that everyone isn’t given the same opportunity.

I have traveled around the world. Also, growing up with people that would be considered below middle class to poor; needing government assistance to help pay their rent or living underneath a bridge with their belongings. Life does suck for the majority of the world and it doesn’t look like it is getting better anytime soon.

A great bit of what I write about is to follow your dreams. As I know you know people go to work as a means to an end. I do think people should find jobs that they are passionate about, but everyone are going to do what is best for them ultimately.

Ray, I thank you so much for giving your opinion of what I wrote. Is there anything that I can read or do to help me understand your world from your perspective to educate myself?

Remember, that “life is only what we make of it” exists only in cultures that provide the resources to us from adverse circumstances, and that is not most of the world. Most of the world is at the mercy of their circumstances as their society cannot provide the resources to “do what you want.” That view, that we all can do what we want, is a providential western view built on a supporting economic foundation and is not reflective of most of the world. So, when I hear this I’m always reminded that that person thinks the whole world is like the U.S. or Europe. It’s not.

So, my only point is be careful projecting personal anecdotes from which you assumed from your culture. Your experience is not necessarily representative others. And you cannot go off what other people report because people tend to only broadcast when things go good for them. You must look at the complete picture before drawing a conclusion.

All the best in your new endeavor!