In our daily lives, we are bombarded with documentaries and
adverts about human suffering in the Third world. Nevertheless, there is one story which doesn't cease to inspire me.
Catherine, 16, who is of the same age as me, has been a real
inspiration towards my positive mindset in life. From a very young age, she has
been forced to scavenge for plastic in rubbish dumps in order to help her dying
mother. Should a child so young even be allowed to work in such treacherous
conditions? This got me thinking and made me realise that although we were of
the same age, she led a very different life to me. Despite the difficulties she endures
every day, Catherine continues to work in her terrible conditions with a
positive mindset. It was that day I realised little things which I
took for granted mean a colossal amount to other people in Third world
countries. Simultaneously, I also learnt that as a result
of sheer obsession with materialistic possessions, many of us hold a
negative mindset as we constantly want more and are unable to put a ceiling on our desires. In contrast, people who live in Third
world countries come across as having more of a positive mind set - as they
consider every small thing they have as a privilege rather than something they feel entitled to. This is what sets us apart
from them.
However, in my eyes, I see having a positive mindset as having more value in life. As in the West, whilst we might be rich in having many possessions, many of us are spiritually poor.
