don's report archive

by Donald B. Ardell, Ph. D.

Wellness in the Headlines
(Don's Report to the World)

One hundred years from today, when the people of Tampa look back to the election of 2003, they might say, "It was the best of times."

It was the best of times because there was peace and prosperity. The people of Tampa enjoyed an arts center, aquarium and state-of-the art retail centers. They had high tech. They thought of a global economy. They rode fancy trolleys. They dreamed of a Superbowl.

Yet, the future citizens of Tampa, a century from now, might say "It was the worst of times," for many citizens of 2003 struggled with low wage jobs and bleak prospects. Their neighborhoods were dismal and dangerous, without sidewalks, parks, amenities and joy.

2003 was a time when the conditions were ripe for an age of wisdom, not an age of foolishness.

It was time for an epoch of belief in rational faculties and common decencies, not another period of incredulity,

It was a season that cried out for light, not darkness.

Tampa was ready for a spring of hope, not a winter of despair.

One candidate for mayor said "We have everything before us, but if we continue with the same old politics, we have nothing before us, that if Charles Dickens, who lived a hundred years or so before our time were here to witness this tale of two cities, I'm confident he would vote for a well city that is fit, fun, free and functional."

Be well. Look on the bright side.

(Note: This essay will be filed in the archives in the MEANING DOMAIN under the skill area of applied wellness. Additional articles related to this theme may be found there.)

(Ed. Note: Views expressed in this and other columns are those of the author and not necessarily those of the SeekWellness Editorial Board.)

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