(Above) Matt Powell - The CP Optimist
My long time friend Justin Hunter once told me "People only hold you as high as you hold yourself." Over the years I've tried to take that statement and live above any kind of obstacle life may throw at me. I achieved goals experts said I wouldn't like riding a bike, going to regular school and recently getting my college degree.
I have parents like no other who have given me nothing but joy and happiness over the years and without them, I wouldn't be where I am today. However, in recent months I've fallen a little off track. Like many 21-year-olds parties and having fun have been my main focus and I've worried weather I could be socially accepted with my nice guy reputation in a world that at times, only worries about fitting in and looking cool.
I see girls go after guys who they feel meets their persona. A guy who's living on the edge with no rules and frankly, treats them as if they mean nothing. I was never that guy. In fact, I was the guy who smiled way to much and I always joked with my friends that I'm lucky my teeth aren't falling out of my mouth.
Many individuals in my generation find this personality unsettling because let's face it, my generation is growing up in a cynical world that tells us we need to act a certain way otherwise, we're no good. And even though right now as I'm saying this let me point out that I've fallen through these temptations as well. I am human and sure enough if you punch me, I will bleed.
My personality was being punched by life which caused me to bleed inside for quite some time. I questioned my philosophy on life and I was thinking that despite all of my flowery words, big smile, and optimistic sayings maybe it was truly all a joke.
But then as I drug my feet and I was told by the world I had to be this guy or that guy; I had an epiphany that changed my life forever and it's something the world needs to know. No matter who a person is or who they think they should be, confidence in who you really are is all that matters in this crazy world of ours. I'm not this guy or that guy. I'm the other guy. The CP Optimist...and I'm proud to say that I'm back.
