Negative clouds have thrown shadows over the goodness in the world.
The 24/7 news is bombarding us with images of hatred, death and destruction.
In addition to a daily diet of shootings, rape and racism, the news is now replete with the horrific actions of terrorist groups: ISIS, Boko Haram and Hamas. Children have been kidnapped and murdered. Planes have disappeared or been shot down. Overt anti-semitism has returned to Europe. And Ebola has reared its ugly head.
Facebook, twitter and emails are filled to the brim with negativity and vitriolic, hateful comments.
We are feeling angry, afraid, anxious and depressed.
We feel like helpless witnesses to a world that is out of balance.
How can we temper this darkness so that we don't sink into an abyss?
How can we possibly make a difference?
I believe a way to do this, is to put out positivity into the world to counter balance each negative emotion.
If you feel helpless, find a way to be helpful.
If you are shocked by the destruction, be creative.
To lessen the evil, be kind.
If you feel sad, find joy.
If you are fearful, be courageous.
If you are overwhelmed by the hate, show love and gratitude.
Here are some specific suggestions to bring more light into our lives and the world.
1. If you feel Helpless-----> Here are some ways to be Helpful
Direct your attention to people in your neighborhood, you can help.
Donate your time and $$$ to causes and charities that inspire you.
Visit someone who is housebound with a Starbucks, a hug and fresh berries.
2. If you are shocked by the Destruction-----> Find ways to Create and Build
Do something that involves you creating, repairing, joining, connecting or adding value to something and helps it improve, grow stronger, or look more beautiful.
Color with your kids.
Create a piece of art.
Visit a museum.
Bake a cake.
Help someone solve a problem.
Paint a wall in your house.
Knit a scarf.
Fix that leaky tap.
Plant some seeds or buy some flowers and arrange them.
3. If you are horrified by the Evil------- > Focus on Kindness
Post quotes or pictures that inspire kindness, laughter, goodness and appreciation on your fridge or pinboard, Face Book or Twitter, Pintrest or Instagram.
Send an article to your friends about a happy story, kind gesture or heart warming scenario.
Call a friend or neighbor to check on them, invite them for coffee or tea, or to go for a walk.
4. If the news makes you feel terribly Sad--------> Take action to fill your heart and others' with Joy.
Give hugs.
Play happy music, loudly and dance.
Get out into nature.
Play with a toddler or baby or pet.
Smile at other people.
Spend time with a friend who makes you laugh.
5. If you are feeling great Fear----------> Do something that demands Courage
Reconnect with someone you've lost touch with.
Learn a new skill.
Do something you've been procrastinating about -clean the garage, get that medical check up, call your great Aunt.
6. If you are overwhelmed by the Hate--------->Counter-balance it with Love and Gratitude
Spend more time with people who value and appreciate you.
Communicate your gratitude to your neighbor, mail carrier or pharmacist.
Thank a co-worker, your spouse, the dog.
Write positive comments on FB posts, newspaper articles and blog posts.
Compliment at least 1 person every day.
I'm not naive. I know these actions will not change ISIS' nightmarish behavior, bring about peace in the Middle East or eliminate racism.
But I believe, we can sow small seeds of hope in our little patch of world, by lighting the darkness with positive thoughts and actions and starting a ripple of kindness, hope and love.
How are all the world challenges affecting you?
Please suggest some ways you have found to bring more light into our world?
Sending love and gratitude to you all.
Gillyx
P.S. If these posts bring you comfort, you can receive new ones every week to your in-box. Just fill in your email address below and follow the prompts. Please check your spam if you don't see a confirmation email immediately.
Thank you Gilly for your most timely blog. It is a wonderful reminder that we can and do make a difference in this increasingly complex world.
ReplyDeleteI really believe kindness and love ripple just as cruelty and hate do. We all have a choice. And that choice gives us some control. Choosing to add more goodness and light to the world rather than focusing on the darkness lifts our spirits and gives us hope. I appreciate you! Gillyx
DeleteIt is certainly the only worth while response , ripples of kindness.
ReplyDeleteJo
It's the only response I can live with, Jo! The haters are going to hate, whatever I think or write in response. I'd rather spend my time using positive energy than stirring up more negativity. There seems to be more than enough of that. Kindness seems to be a much more productive path to choose. Thanks very much for your comment. So glad to have you in my life. Gillyx
DeleteHeart-felt, practical, and full of positive energy. I used key words #light and #negativity in a twitter share. Next time I'll use the word #positivity instead. Thank you, Gilly. I knew you'd have something wonderful to say once the shock settled a little. Kindness and beauty are constant helpers for me in all circumstances. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Elaine. In this unsettled world, it often feels as though we are in control of so little. At times like this, turning to the beauty and reliability of nature and helping others can bring us great comfort. Your positivity always inspires me. Gx
Delete