Everyone has heard the old clich/. Is the glass half empty or is it half full?

While asking that question those two different ways may seem like a semantical difference, it is actually indicative of polar opposites when it comes to perception and a philosophical approach.

That same type of problem afflicts many Lawrence County residents who seem to have a half-empty mentality when it comes to the community, an issue that keeps them asking the wrong questions.

Those cynics will ask, “Why is Ironton and the county so dirty?”

Instead they should ask, “What can I do to clean up this county?”

Many people will want to know “Why isn’t there more to do in our communities?”

Yet, the better question to ask is, “What can I do to provide our youth with some positive activities?”

Rather than asking, “Why aren’t there more good jobs in the county?” those same individuals should ask themselves “What does this county need in terms of services that I could provide?”

While this may seem like splitting hairs, it really runs much deeper because it is essentially a change of mindset that is needed by some.

The same people that complain about the need for cleaning up our region cannot be found when it comes time to participate in a city or county cleanup.

Those who say nothing good ever happens here never bother to see all the positives that are right in front of their eyes.

Negativity becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. If we believe our city and our county will never prosper, then it never will.

But, if we take the pro-active approach and believe that we can make a difference that will begin to come true.

Maybe I am just an optimist. Call me a Pollyanna with rose-colored glasses.

But the reality is that perspective and attitude truly can make a difference.

The list of individuals and organizations that “get it” continues to grow including The Friends of Ironton, Operation Tidy Up Lawrence County, Ironton in Bloom, the Lawrence County Board of MRDD, just to name a few.

Now is time to start a positive change. First, look in the mirror and say, “Am I doing my part?”

Start asking the right questions and the answers may surprise you.

Michael Caldwell is publisher of The Ironton Tribune. To reach him, call (740) 532-1445 ext. 24 or by e-mail at mike.caldwell@irontontribune.com.