One of the most important things in life is to be an optimist. If you listen to many in the media, you would think that the demise of America is imminent. What we need, in my opinion, are more optimists.

An optimist is more than seeing the glass as being half-full. An optimist is a person who, instead of persistent criticism about life in general, works hard to see the problems and solutions. Anyone can point fingers at difficult situations. An optimist wants to come up with tangible results.

One thing that helps me be optimistic is belonging to the Optimist Club of LaGrange. This group is not only a friend of youth. It also tries to help people focus on the blessings of life and the great potential in everyone of every age.

Optimist LaGrange meets every Monday at noon for lunch at the Mike Daniel Recreation Center in LaGrange. It is open to anyone. I am amazed at how many wonderful things this excellent club does.

There are various awards for outstanding students in the LaGrange area. The annual oratorical contests and essay participation give awards to help promote excellence in the area of writing or speaking. The local optimists support a youth job fair.

The Optimist Club of LaGrange also honors the police officers and firemen who are so important in protecting us. We give the first responders a great lunch and outstanding responders get the awards they so richly deserve. The Optimists also support the Boys and Girls Club for their fine work with young people.

I want to paraphrase the official creed of Optimists International. We need to be so strong that nothing can disturb our peace of mind. Optimists talk health, happiness and prosperity to everyone they meet. Optimists make all their friends feel that there is something in them.

If you are an optimistic person, you look at the sunny side of everything. In other words, nothing is as bad as we think it is. Optimists think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best. They forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. An optimist gives so much time to the improvement of himself or herself that you have no time to criticize others.

What do Americans really need at the present time? I 100 percent believe that we need foremost more optimism in our lives. When I feel good about myself, I am a much better husband, father, grandfather, friend and citizen.

I am totally committed to the LaGrange Optimist Club. Yes, there are many wonderful clubs in LaGrange. The Optimist Club especially appeals to me because I want to be an optimistic person every day. I want to bring hope to every person I meet. Optimism can help me do this.

I give you a special invitation to join me Monday at noon for lunch at the Mike Daniel Recreation Center. You will be greeted with a smile is my promise. Again, be an optimist.