By Bedour Al-Thuwaini
Positive thinking indeed paves the way for success by fostering an optimistic outlook and empowering individuals to overcome challenges. It encourages us to focus on opportunities rather than limitations, exemplified by the metaphor of viewing the cup as half full rather than half empty. Kuwait’s generosity is evident in the abundant blessings it has bestowed upon both its citizens and residents, creating an environment of appreciation and gratitude. Statistics shown that expats or foreigners move to Kuwait because of its many perks and most importantly no taxes to be paid whatsoever. The citizens’ and residents’ needs are being met on a daily basis.
Some of the essential needs are health, education, and most especially security and safety. Yet many citizens, tend to have a pessimistic opinion about this country. No one denies the negatives of Kuwait. However, the advantages outweigh the negatives on every single aspect. Decisions making and improvements may be delayed however, no decisions worth making is taken hurriedly.
One of the main positive influencers who made every Kuwaiti proud of his patriotic accomplishments that truly portrays his devotion to the country, is Yousef Al-Omran. Yousef is one of few who managed to get in action instead of complaining about the country. His love of his country was through actions and devotion. "The first blessing of Kuwait is that it gave us safety and security.” "The second is the blessing of healthcare, as Kuwaitis, we receive free treatment and most importantly we are given scholarships in Kuwait or abroad for free. Because our government values our education,” Al-Omran said. Al-Omran also added, "Our government’s doors are always open for us. For me as a volunteer, I have never had been mistreated or kicked out no matter the situation. They are always eager to listen and provide us with whatever we need. And for me, there is nothing more I could ask for as I am very grateful for this blessing.”
Moreover, healthcare is the main problem the world faces nowadays, with inflation going up almost every day people around the world are struggling to get medical attention and treatment. It is becoming almost a luxury when in reality is a basic necessity. Alia Dashti commented; "The most important thing in life is medical treatment. For me, as someone who suffers with rheumatoid, one needle costs around KD 750. And my daughter suffers from Crohn’s disease and her treatment costs up to KD 1,000 every two months. It is such a blessing to be able to live in a country where I don’t have to worry about not being able to afford treatments. We are very thankful and grateful for this country; we are very blessed. Thank God!”
This issue is not only appreciated by adults, but also the youth as they are aware of this issue. Al-Judy Al-Adwani a Kuwaiti teenager, commented on healthcare saying; "When we travel abroad, we face problems or issues with our health or fall sick. The first thing we get ask at the hospital is money. If you lack the ability to pay you get no treatment whatsoever. They expel you from the hospital if you have no insurance no matter how urgent, old, or young. On the contrary, in Kuwait, the government do care about its citizens and residents alike and always makes sure the treatment is affordable.”
Pessimistic comments about Kuwait affects the youth as it portrays a negative, hatful view of their country. Moreover, these comments negatively impact the children as it would frustrate and obscure the prosperity of the future. Even if it is not noticeable in the meantime, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Mother of Hadi Al-Otaibi says; "Praise be to God, Kuwait has given us the security and safety, we sleep in our homes safely and this is the simplest thing that Kuwait has given us, we are more than grateful for everything that Kuwait has provided for us. Our children get free education and a job after graduation. For me, I think there is nothing more I could ask for as it is already more than enough.” Safety, education and healthcare are the most essential needs if not the essential to get a dignified, healthy, and prosperous life. Furthermore, education is what makes a society, or in other words, the future. That is the reason the government encourages and offer the students with good grades with a full scholarship in Kuwait or abroad. This article is ending with the same quote as the begging by William James "Pessimism leads to weakness, optimism to power.” Because to have brighter future, one must think positively. As the pessimism never wins.