 "Photo: Leonardo Alannis | Valley Star")
The American culture is programmed to complain. From a cold cup of coffee in the morning, to the 5 p.m. rush hour or homework deadline, we are seemingly only happy when we're moving onto the next "problem" in life. Unfortunately, we're so busy complaining, we are unable to see the beauty in life and how lucky we actually are.
According to the New York Times, more than 16 million Americans suffer from depression. One of the top reasons for the disorder is a lack of exercise and a poor diet. It is sad that we are lazy and burger-addicted to the point of it affecting our ability to be happy. Ironically, CNN reports that Costa Rica – a nation with high activity and lower obesity levels – has "the highest life satisfaction in the world and has the second-highest average life expectancy of the new world," despite difficult working conditions and a less privileged lifestyle. The country's minimum wage is around $2.45; the average US minimum wage: $7.
Politics is a subject that causes much debate and, in turn, hatred. As a nation built upon democracy, we should be grateful for the privilege to speak our minds, rather than complaining about what has yet to be done. It is difficult to believe that in 2009, some nations' people are still not allowed to speak their minds freely. Those in China are restricted from speaking out and have limited Internet access. Most Valley College students have a hard time staying away from Facebook for 24 hours. Try staying away because the government says so. Chinese Internet access is heavily restricted, and sites including Facebook have been banned at times, according to CNN.
Politics may not be the highest distraction, especially for a student, but there are many other reasons to count yourself lucky. For $26 a unit, you are able to improve your education. A small fee to the school gives you access to a library, Internet and computer access, as well as many free programs to take advantage of. In stark comparison, Education Africa reports that college education is all but unheard of in much of the continent, and only four out of 10 African children under the age of 11 attend school.
The next time you find yourself about to open your mouth to complain, try taking a look around at what is going on outside of your own troubled bubble. The smallest problems are a blessing compared to what many must go through. Take notice, and you may realize life isn't so bad after all.
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