First Assignment!

      Well, first off, I guess I should announce my research question! Does having an optimistic lifestyle affect one's health? How about a pessimistic outlook, in contrast? At first, I thought that I would have to choose another topic to research because of the lack of studies or information about this topic. Or, even if there was some information I could use, it wouldn't be enough to support this paper, as well as the others that are to come after this one. 
      This topic interests me because I have been a person who has lived through both of these lifestyles. In my paper "What's It Like To Be You?," I divulged into my past and all of its dark corners in order to make a bigger statement about the person I am today. I used to battle with depression and I was very inward as well as shy. This definitely took an impact on my health; from weight gain, to borderline insomnia, to stress, and many other things. Today, I am a very optimistic, happy person. My health has took a complete transformation and I believe it's because of how different my outlook on life has changed.
      I feel like it's important to address this topic because I feel as though it's something that is way too overlooked in society. People think negatively and put themselves down constantly (especially in the college world, for example: "I didn't study as much as I should have, I'm gonna fail and my parents are gonna be so disappointed in me and my life is just gonna be horrid."). Thinking this way obviously isn't healthy or good for your psyche. I feel that if more people my age took a more positive, happy approach towards their problems instead of masking or blowing them out of proportion, their health as well as their overall demeanor would change. Now, I'm not saying be happy-go-lucky 24/7 or never have those crappy days everyone has, but don't let them depict your lifestyle choices or change the way you act. 
      I expect to find many psychological research as well as many studies on individuals that are in my age bracket. My preliminary research has led me to what I feel like may be a big chunk of my annotated bibliography: stress. Stress levels tend to dramatically increase if one thinks negatively or puts themselves down frequently. If failure is already in your mindset when going into an event or even a small classroom, failure will typically be the end result. Stress is a HUGE factor in everyday life. If you feel stress-free and relaxed, don't you have a better day? Don't you feel light on your toes? I know I do! 
      I haven't done quite enough research in order to see conflicting, different perspectives on my research question. I'm almost positive there will be sources that do not agree with my opinions, because this is a very broad, sensitive subject. As far as different viewpoints go, I love them. There's this quote I absolutely love: "In order to step into someone else's shoes, you must first take off your own." In order to develop a good, argumentative paper, you HAVE to be able to incorporate and accept differing opinions in contrast to your own. If you are closed minded, then your papers will not be fiery or captivating, but instead, a dull, boring paper that someone is reading just to get closer to the end. 
      All in all, I'm actually quite excited for this assignment. At first, I was completely shocked and confused with our topic. I only thought of the diet and exercise aspect of health... But, after   a few classes, my mind opened up to the many other facets of 'health.'  :)