Persona Qualities

People as Survivors Life is always filled with difficulties, and those people that manage to survive these difficulties with a good attitude are the true "survivors," rather than the people on the reality television show who survive because of their abilities to outwit or screw their competition. True survivors take their strength from themselves, rather on relying on others to make them strong. When good people face difficult times, they all react differently. Some people are overwhelmed by their troubles.

They wallow in self-pity, feel sorry for themselves, and do not do anything to help themselves. These are not survivors, because they do not have the inner strength to survive great difficulties, and they certainly do not become stronger because of their difficulties. True survivors benefit from their difficulties, and grow stronger. Christopher Reeves is an excellent example. He survived a terrible accident, and at first hoped to die, but then, he overcame his difficulties and went on to inspire thousands of other people with spinal injuries.

He lived much longer than many people thought he would, and he went back to work directing and even acting in films. He grew stronger because of his difficulties, and he learned how to live with them. In addition, survivors inspire others. Christopher Reeves did, and so do many others. Franklin D. Roosevelt survived polio, and could never walk again, yet he became President of the United States, and he is one of the most respected presidents in history.

He inspired others because he did not allow his disability to make him an invalid; he overcame it and led a nation into war during one of the most difficult times in American history. It is easy to lead when life is good, but much more difficult when there are physical and emotional obstacles to overcome. Finally, true survivors may feel sorry for themselves at times, but they do not allow these times to color their entire outlook.

Survivors have to have a positive outlook, and be able to see positives in just about any situation. They have to look for the bright side, not to.