Negativity is defined by Webster as the following: a : lacking positive qualities; especially : disagreeable b : marked by features of hostility, withdrawal, or pessimism that hinder or oppose constructive treatment or development
If the media took even one day and focused on only the good deeds of random strangers, the daily positive actions of educators and first responders, the happy dreams realized of anyone who achieves them, instead of giving validity through sensationalism to criminals and the corrupt, what would we think throughout that day? How might we act and react in daily situations or occurrences? What might we be inspired to do that day?
If politicians took one week to do nothing but get face to face with those who they represent, and regardless of party affiliation or income level, sat down and truly listened to what's occurring and what's needed in those areas by the people who voted them into office, if they completely ignored party lines or anything driven by monetary gain and simply talked with their constituents and each other, how much would be accomplished? No campaigning, no promises, just listening and honest conversation. Would better goals be set that would be more reflective of what's actually needed in our communities? Would the intention to follow through with those goals be more concrete and the results of those intentions be more effective due to the open, honest communication that only focused on the needs of those represented, and not partisanship or finger pointing?
If everyone who uses social media of any form made a pact to only post positive thoughts, happy occurrences, and non-judgmental opinions for even a day or two, what would we learn about those around us? What attributes might we glean about others that we'd never realized before? Would it inspire us? Make us laugh? Allow us to feel a bit of happiness with regards to the good fortune of someone else?
The thing about it is this, most of us tend to focus so constantly on that which is wrong, or stressful, or irritating, or depressing, that we can't see, and many times forget, that around us which is Good. The moment of calming silence after a long tiring day, the sheerly happy smile of a baby or small child, the stranger that immediately assists with picking up the papers someone accidentally dropped, or the phone call from a friend that occurs at the exact moment you needed a friendly voice. The hug from someone who loves you, the frenzied thrilled greeting from a pet upon your arrival home, the beautiful flower that somehow grew in a not beautiful place, or the feel of your favorite fuzzy blanket wrapped around you on a chilly day. Happy conversations with friends, a compliment from a coworker, a gesture of goodwill given without thought of returning the favor. These are the things that our days are made up of. Even in the middle of stressful situations surrounding work, or school, or homelife, these things exist. If we focused mainly on them, as opposed to that which upsets or brings us down, would our relationships change? Would our outlooks and attitudes change? What about our communities as a whole?
Just thoughts. It may sound a bit Utopian, but as I sit here this morning, with sleet coming down outside & my entire day annoyingly rerouted and rearranged due to the weather, I think that I shall focus on the fact that the cinnamon spice coffee I'm brewing makes my place smell yummy, and there's a list of things I've been procrastinating about that I can now get done instead of having to rush out, and that an evening snuggled in front of the fireplace watching movies that make me laugh is a splendid thing to look forward to. Life. It really can be so much happier if we simply do a bit of adjusting from concentrating on the negative moments, to focusing on the positive ones.
~ The Girl In The Little Black Dress
If the media took even one day and focused on only the good deeds of random strangers, the daily positive actions of educators and first responders, the happy dreams realized of anyone who achieves them, instead of giving validity through sensationalism to criminals and the corrupt, what would we think throughout that day? How might we act and react in daily situations or occurrences? What might we be inspired to do that day?
If politicians took one week to do nothing but get face to face with those who they represent, and regardless of party affiliation or income level, sat down and truly listened to what's occurring and what's needed in those areas by the people who voted them into office, if they completely ignored party lines or anything driven by monetary gain and simply talked with their constituents and each other, how much would be accomplished? No campaigning, no promises, just listening and honest conversation. Would better goals be set that would be more reflective of what's actually needed in our communities? Would the intention to follow through with those goals be more concrete and the results of those intentions be more effective due to the open, honest communication that only focused on the needs of those represented, and not partisanship or finger pointing?
If everyone who uses social media of any form made a pact to only post positive thoughts, happy occurrences, and non-judgmental opinions for even a day or two, what would we learn about those around us? What attributes might we glean about others that we'd never realized before? Would it inspire us? Make us laugh? Allow us to feel a bit of happiness with regards to the good fortune of someone else?
The thing about it is this, most of us tend to focus so constantly on that which is wrong, or stressful, or irritating, or depressing, that we can't see, and many times forget, that around us which is Good. The moment of calming silence after a long tiring day, the sheerly happy smile of a baby or small child, the stranger that immediately assists with picking up the papers someone accidentally dropped, or the phone call from a friend that occurs at the exact moment you needed a friendly voice. The hug from someone who loves you, the frenzied thrilled greeting from a pet upon your arrival home, the beautiful flower that somehow grew in a not beautiful place, or the feel of your favorite fuzzy blanket wrapped around you on a chilly day. Happy conversations with friends, a compliment from a coworker, a gesture of goodwill given without thought of returning the favor. These are the things that our days are made up of. Even in the middle of stressful situations surrounding work, or school, or homelife, these things exist. If we focused mainly on them, as opposed to that which upsets or brings us down, would our relationships change? Would our outlooks and attitudes change? What about our communities as a whole?
Just thoughts. It may sound a bit Utopian, but as I sit here this morning, with sleet coming down outside & my entire day annoyingly rerouted and rearranged due to the weather, I think that I shall focus on the fact that the cinnamon spice coffee I'm brewing makes my place smell yummy, and there's a list of things I've been procrastinating about that I can now get done instead of having to rush out, and that an evening snuggled in front of the fireplace watching movies that make me laugh is a splendid thing to look forward to. Life. It really can be so much happier if we simply do a bit of adjusting from concentrating on the negative moments, to focusing on the positive ones.
~ The Girl In The Little Black Dress
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