12/1/07
“This I Believe” A Change in Thinking: People Can Change
I believe that people can change; they can turn their life around for the better. People with anger issues, drug addictions, depression, I believe they can all change. It also helps to have support from friends and family. Rehabilitation or therapy can help. The excuse that people often use, “That’s just the way I am” does not work for me. That’s the way you are because that’s the way you want to be, but you can change.
Several years ago, my aunt found out that the reason all of her money was disappearing was not what she thought. Her husband had told her that he had a gambling problem, but what he really had was a cocaine addiction.
It was really bad. She had to work two jobs, but the money was still tight and my uncle didn’t stop using drugs. She told my uncle that if he didn’t get some help and change, then he would have to leave her and their three kids.
So my uncle went to a program called Teen Challenge, hoping to leave his addiction behind. It’s usually a year long program, but soon he knew he had to go home. His kids wanted him home. But the only way he could come back was if he was completely clean. Many prayers and much determination brought him home after only four months. My uncle is a perfect example of why I believe that people can change.
People like my uncle that struggle with something like drugs or sometimes realize that they would be better off if they change. So, they find people to support them and aid them in finding the help they need. They get their lives together and find themselves living a happier life.
You don’t always like who you are. Some people wish they were smarter, or more outgoing, or didn’t have such a short temper. I believe that these people should have hope, because they can change. It might take a while, but I believe, one step at a time anyone can become the person that they’ve always wanted to be.
A person who wants to be smarter should focus on school, study hard, do homework well, and do a lot of thought-provoking things. A shy person should join clubs or sports that allow them to interact with more people. A short-tempered person should choose their battles and think about the other person’s point of view.
When someone say’s that’s just the way they are, it’s like they don’t like it themselves, but they’re just settling with themselves. I think people should be happy with who they are, not settle.
All of these examples show how people can change. No one ever stays the same. Even the journey from childhood to adulthood changes you; it matures you and gives you experiences that make you wiser. People can change. This I believe.