Everyone has heard this rhetorical query: Is the glass half empty or half full?

Although the two parts of that question may seem like nothing more than a semantic difference, it is actually indicative of two extreme ends of the spectrum when it comes to perception and philosophical approach to life.

Unfortunately, a significant percentage of residents seem to have a half-empty mindset when it comes to a view of their community, which is a dangerous proposition that prevents us from asking the right questions.

Cynics will ask, “What is Stanford and Lincoln County going to do with all the drug addicts?”

Instead they should ask, “What is the root cause of our drug problem and what can I do to help address it?”

Many people will lament, “Why isn’t there anything for our kids to do here?”

Yet, the better question to ask is, “How can I get involved to help provide our youth with positive activities or be a role model?”

Rather than asking, “Why aren’t there more good jobs in the county?” those same individuals should ask themselves “What does this county need in terms of goods and services that I could provide?”

The list goes on and on.

While these may seem like splitting hairs, the issue really runs much deeper because we all have to change our way of thinking.

The same people who complain about the need for cleaning up our region cannot be found when it comes time for volunteers to participate in beautification efforts.

Those who say nothing good ever happens here are simply incapable of seeing all the positives right in front of their eyes.

Negativity becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. If we believe our city and our county will never prosper, then it likely never will.

If we take a proactive approach, and believe each of us can make a difference, that will become the reality.

Perspective and attitude truly can make a difference. Now is the time to start a positive change.

We can all look in the mirror and ask, “Am I doing my part?”

When we start asking the right questions, the answers may surprise us.

Michael Caldwell is publisher of The Interior Journal. He can be reached at (859) 759-0095 or by email at mike.caldwell@theinteriorjournal.com.