Good Life Award - Winners
2007
Good Life Award Writing Contest
Honorable Mention
Anna Leeper
9th Grade, Centerville High School
| "The Good Life" I’ve had a lot of talks with my friends about the subject of living a good, happy life, and I usually say that when I become a little old lady who sits outside in her rocking chair, staring at the sunset and reflecting on her life, I want to be able to smile at everything that I’ve experienced and accomplished. That’s my ultimate dream. One of the things that I’ve realized during my experiences as a teen is that you can learn many things from the people around you, whether they teach you what to do, or what not to do. When I was in middle school, many of my friends began to make poor decisions, including choosing to use drugs. Luckily, I was strong enough to say no to this kind of behavior, and I’m so glad that I did. I’ve watched the people that I cared about destroy their lives, and I have to say that it’s one of the saddest things that you can watch somebody go through. They are obviously so unhappy with their lives, and yet they still won’t make better choices, because now it’s too late, and they think it’s alright. I’ve realized through them that this kind of behavior isn’t only wrong, but it can’t make you happy either. On the other hand, I have watched my friends who have also abstained from this behavior become extremely successful, and also become increasingly satisfied with themselves and the world around them. Something else that I have realized more recently is the fact that giving can bring amazing joy! When I was younger, I was the kind of person who loved to receive gifts, services, etc. This past February, I was in Dayton when a homeless man came up and asked me for some money. I ended up giving him a five dollar bill, and it felt great! I realized it then--maybe giving isn’t such a bad thing after all. Recently, I have been babysitting at lower costs, giving compliments randomly, and attempting other random acts of kindness. Even though it may not sound like much fun, I wish I could get some people I know to try it. The “high” that you can get from these acts greatly outweighs anything that drugs can give you. Because I chose to live like this, instead of looking back and being disappointed at how I’d have wasted your life, I may be able to look back and smile. I have seen my family and friends suffer because of some of the decisions I have made in the past, and believe me, it isn’t worth the pain to make such careless choices. From now on, when I am faced with an important choice, I think about little old Anna Leeper. Someday, I want her to be proud of me, and what I’ve done. If I can accomplish that, I think that will just about sum up the good life. |