Is the average American lazy? What an interesting topic to debate. When I jump in my car and drive to work each day, this is something I do reflect upon. Raising two teen-age boys and trying to instill in them that hard work is what you will need to get you where you want to go. With all of the reality television and video games that are all around us, I find it hard to say that the average American is not lazy, as I do believe the average American is lazy.

My husband and I both work outside the home. I am not able to work as much as I would like or do the type of work that I would prefer to be doing, but we are happy. Due to physical limitations from nerve damage from a herniated disk, I push ahead and make the most out of each day. I know how hard I have to work to get myself out of bed and out the door to begin my day. Some days are easier than others and I refuse to give up. I do feel that there are too many Americans that just say, “This is the way I want to be and I will sit back and not push myself.” By pushing myself I know that I am a healthier person from a mental stand point and try to show others that life does not have to stop because of one’s physical limitations.

Now, in regards to the workforce. This is a topic that I am passionate about! For whatever reason, Americans do tend to be searching for that oh so called, “perfect” job. In my eyes, there is no such thing as the perfect job. Sure you can love to go to work each day and know that you are making a positive difference in someone’s life, but in all reality the job is not perfect. We all learn from our mistakes and a mental challenge is good in regards to keeping the brain healthy. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that perfect job will never drop from the sky. You may have to work in a position you think is so-so and it can become your ideal job. But, for numerous reasons, many Americans choose to sit back, take an unemployment check, collect SSI, or live off of others and be lazy bums. It takes will and determination to get out and work! Too many people would rather just sit around and let whatever happens happen.

Each American is responsible for their destination. It is not up to someone else to bring the work to them, it is up to the individual to get out and make things happen! But, in the year 2008, we as a society, tend to think that our government can be all things to all people and let people hang for a while and take all the freebies they can get. This is pure laziness in itself! By not taking the responsibility to get yourself where you need to go and not relying on others to do it for you. Maybe you find yourself in the category of the “wait and see” attitude.” Do you think it is working? Probably not! Get out, get moving, and make things happen!

Take a look at all the restaurants that are up and running in your neighborhoods and communities. This, to me is a pretty good indication of laziness in regards to life in a kitchen in America. Americans eat out more than ever before. Granted these places provide jobs and entertainment, but in all reality, what harm can come out of cooking a meal for the family? Sure, it takes a little bit of planning and some work when it comes to food preparation. Getting everyone together around a table for a meal sets such a positive example for your family. Mealtime not only encourages everyone to share about their events of the day, but it also shows that you are ambitious and not lazy! A great example to set for your kids.

I am sure there are many different views on this topic, but I wish that we as a society could work when we are needed and know that we do need some down time. It is important to relax at the end of a long, hard work day. Relaxation in itself can also be work! You may need to plan for this time and be able to reflect on yourself and the day’s happenings. Do not find yourself ready to join the club that belongs to the average American- pure laziness! Take the initiative to make good things happen in your everyday life and hopefully a lazy American will see that hard work does pay off! We all learn by doing and by setting great examples we can all help turn the lifestyle of the lazy average American around.