By Bella Goodnight
I would bet money that most of you reading this now have also read at least one negative headline today. The oversaturation of stressful topics in the media can magnify feelings of fear, creating the illusion that there is far more bad in the world than good.
Let’s not feed our brains so much information that “confirms” this idea. If the news and media instead focused on positivity, we would likely believe there is more good in the world than bad. It’s all about the lens through which you see life.
Credit: Author
We obviously can’t live our lives ignorant of anything that may upset us. It is important to be cautious at times and feel informed about issues we can help combat. But today and more often, let’s switch out our lenses to amplify the good.
Learning more of the beautiful, touching, uplifting stories in the world can inspire us to become happier people and create our own good news.
There are publications and organizations dedicated entirely to sharing the world’s heartfelt moments and miracles with you because people want to add positivity to your day. I plan to share with you four recent good news stories I compiled in addition to the sources where I found them. Take note of these, so you know where to look when you need a pick-me-up.
If you have any favorite stories yourself, feel free to comment below at the end of this blog to share them!
1. Gratitude - Having Gratitude Linked to Lower Risk of Death
Source: Good News Network
It's incredible the difference gratitude can make in our lives. It is the backbone of a happy person and, to me, has no downsides. I’ve written in a previous blog about the importance of gratitude in letting go of anxiety, but this story references its relation to physical health. Many people forget about or are unaware of the mind-body connection, but this article reinforces that truth.
The author explains the likely life-prolonging effects of gratitude on a person. This is fantastic news because it encourages us to make light of difficult times, as it will elevate our health.
Right now, I am grateful to be in my home. I am thankful for my loved ones, yummy foods, music, nature, kindness, and the resilience of humankind. What are you grateful for today?
Credit: Nathan Dumlao’s photo on Good News Network
2. Humankind - “I Saw a Man Transform Before My Eyes”
Source: Positive News
A man named Conroy Harris leads a charity called “A Band of Brothers”, dedicated to providing a space where it is safe for men to discuss their mistakes and emotions to promote their self-growth. Harris takes an approach of accountability and compassion towards others, teaching them to ask themselves more questions about why they are the way they are and transform their habits for the better.
It is heartwarming to hear both about people opening their hearts to understand others better and about people learning to ask for help. It’s never too late to begin treating yourself and others with care. The world will be a kinder place because of it.
Credit: Anselm Ebulue
3. Environment - Colombia’s Battle Against Deforestation Achieves Remarkable Results
Source: The Optimist Daily
Colombia’s deforestation rates have dropped “by 36% in 2023”, a record for its past 23 years. This can be attributed to Colombia’s government and strong-willed organizations doing their part.
It’s amazing what good people can accomplish when they come together. Individual actions add up! Stories like these inspire me to be hopeful and search for communities with whom I can make a difference, too.
Credit: Adobe Stock
4. Clever & Inspiring - Landmark Debt Swap to Protect Indonesia's Coral Reefs
Source: Conservation News
Making fantastic use of the money, Indonesia’s government arranged a deal with the United States to conduct a “debt-for-nature swap” using over $35 million. This means the U.S. accepts Indonesia’s repayment of its debt through directing it towards coral reef health.
Not only is this effective for ridding heavy debts from a country, but it puts the money towards aiding our environment. It excites me to see countries cooperating to protect Earth, and in such a clever way!
Credit: Adobe Stock
With each story, try to absorb its positive energy and take time to appreciate the miracles out there that inspire us to carry on with our heads up.
Credit: Adobe Stock
You’ve noticed that the media on our screens feed us daily stress. See what you can do to reduce your intake of bad news and invite cheerful accounts into your life. This can even mean reducing screen time entirely, which has countless benefits.
I’ve greatly modified the content I see on social media to be motivating, supportive, and positive. However, it is still so easy to hear the same bad news repeatedly. This is not to say that staying informed on injustices and high-impact problems isn’t needed in the world; of course it is.
But instead of focusing attention on that, find small individual actions to do your part. For example, if you’re feeling distressed from reading about climate disasters, you can help out at an #UNLITTER cleanup or donate to environmental organizations.
Credit: #UNLITTER
When you feel like there’s not enough good news around you, you can create it. It will build up your community and your soul, all the while inspiring others to pay your kindness forward.
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