The Road Map of My Life by Zachary Carlson, age 13 (November 2008)

There are three specific events in my life that have changed my world. They have also changed my view on life itself. Now, you may be thinking, “They must be pretty big and significant events to change your view of life!” Well, it usually is, but the event can be small, too. Life can be tricky, with ups and downs, twists and turns, and many forks in the road. Smart and simple life quotes, though, can help change your view on life, or give you a push to success. My quote is “If you always look on the bright side, and you’re always joyful, good things will happen to you.”

The first event that changed my view on life is based on joy. When my sister finally made the decision to move to Nashville, Tennessee, it was off to the airport. From there we exchanged hugs and farewells. Right when we left the airport, I started to miss her already. After a couple of months of being a newcomer in Nashville, my parents and I were on our way to Seattle for my cousin’s wedding. Well, she flew back home, and right when I caught sight of her I gave her the biggest of hugs. Within the few days we had before the wedding, we had the best time ever. Seeing her again and spending time with her filled my heart with joy. I now know that you need joy to have a great life.

The second event is about Moving. Not “I’m moving to a new city,” but something that amazes you and moves you. Now, there is a television show called Planet Earth, which is about our Earth and the incredible animals that inhabit it. When I watched this show with my dad for the first time, I was just blown away. It blew my mind to realize how diverse and talented the animals on this earth are. I wasn’t sure at first if the show was going to interest me or not, but I stayed positive and decided to test it out. I am now glad I did. I learned that if you keep positive in life, you might experience more of those amazing moments.

The third event in my life so far is based around DEATH. When my good friend Emily Kass died in fifth grade, I was shocked and extremely sad. She worked on a newspaper with my friend and I, where she reviewed movies, restaurants, and vacation destinations. She was also extremely smart. What influenced me the most, though, was that was she was also always funny, happy, and tremendously positive. I currently know that I was blessed to have Emily in my life, because she showed me that when you’re positive, even in bad times, you can get to good place in life.

“If you always look on the bright side, and you’re always joyful, good things will happen to you.”

You can reach great places in life if you find joy and if you’re always positive, even in bad times. The death of my friend Emily Kass, the mind-blowing, moving television show, and the joy when I saw my sister all contribute to my life and the philosophy. This philosophy that I have discovered in my own life will help me through my time here on Earth. You see, life is great, with many experiences. There are some mysteries to be solved in life, though. There are also hidden meanings in the events that occur in your life. All in all, I will continue to follow my philosophy, and I hope you will find your own.

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