How to be positive in what seems like a negative world

In a time when every time you turn on the TV there is another senseless tragedy, it can seem like the world is a bad and hopeless place. 
The conservatives blame the liberals; the religious feel we need more (of their version of) God, while the non-religious feels that too much focus on God has brought us here. We blame parents for their child's horrific crimes and all the while the media creates a storm that fuels us with fear and despair. Through all of this, what can one person do to make a difference? Plenty!
Here's my take on the 8 things that you can do to be positive and create change when it seems like the world is "going to hell in a hand basket":

1. Follow Your Dreams & Passions NOW!
Tragedies always show us how short life is. Many of us are just floating through life. We have dreams and passions not being realized or even explored. Don't spend your life working on someone else's dream without working on your own. Yes, I understand you have bills and a family, but you can spend as little as an hour working after work, after the kiddos are in bed or early in the morning before work. You have unique gifts and talents that the world needs to know about. Don't hold out on us! 

2. Call a Friend or Relative
I can be horrible about picking up the phone to call or text friends or family while dealing with the minutiae of everyday life. Recently, I've been more intentional of reaching out when someone pops into my head. A quick hello, “I love you” and/or “I’m thinking about you”, can change someone's day as well as yours when you have a fabulous catch up session. Again, life is too short not to!

3. Pray
When tragedy strikes, the comments section is filled with folks sending prayers for those affected and their families. It annoys some saying that the prayers don't do anything to help, but I disagree.  I totally believe in the power of prayer and having a collective positive vibration towards a cause or people. You don’t have to ascribe to a particular religion to pray. If you don’t like what the word means, just send positive vibes.
 
4. Forgive
This one can be tough, especially if you are directly affected by a tragedy, but in general forgiveness is an amazing thing that benefits you more than the person that’s being forgiven. Nelson Mandela said it best with his quote, “resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies”. I used to have a tough time with forgiveness because I felt that it was saying that what the person did was okay, but that isn’t true. It’s about not allowing what they did to define and consume you. Choose to forgive someone. You don’t have to tell them (I didn’t). You can write a letter if you want to express it, or just let the resentment and anger go (what I did). When you forgive it feels like a weight has been lifted and it’s amazing.
 
5. Limit Negativity.
I didn’t know about any of yesterday’s tragedies until someone sent me a text asking if people I knew in Orlando were okay. I don’t watch the news. I don’t read the newspaper. I stopped a while ago after my mom didn’t feel that it was good for me because I was becoming obsessed with the negative. This doesn’t mean that I bury my head in the sand, but I choose not to inundate my mind with bad news and negativity. I always find out what’s important via friends, family or social media. The same goes for negative people. I’ll do what I can to cheer someone up, but if someone chooses to remain negative, I choose not to be around him or her. That would include relatives if need be. You don’t have to be mean, just limit your time with them.
 
6. Be the Change
Gandhi was spot on. The only way you can change the world is to be the change you want to see. The “anti-“ movement has only brought on more of what we’re fighting against. Become what you want to see. Volunteer or donate to causes that mean something to you and that are making a difference in the world. Work with or become a mentor for children. This one is key since it’s during the childhood years that shape a person’s personality and how they see the world. Hate is taught. If we can show children love and compassion, they will more than likely become compassionate, loving people.
 
 
7. Listen and Become Accepting (or at least tolerant) of Others
You don’t have to like (or agree) with a person’s lifestyle, religious preference, opinions and/or choices to accept or at least tolerate them. While we are so gloriously different, we are so much alike. If you sit and talk with someone for 10min, you will no doubt find that you have something in common with him or her regardless of his or her age, background, lifestyle, income or anything else.
Take time to listen to others, even strangers. So many people just want to be heard. Listen to cries for help as well and act accordingly.
 
8. Practice Random Acts of Kindness
Just be nice damn it. Give someone a compliment, even if it’s something small. When I see a cashier who seems to be having a harsh day, I’ll compliment something about them or say something to make them laugh. It’s a small thing for me, but it typically changes their entire attitude. Allow someone to go ahead of you in line, buy a cup of coffee for the person behind you, tip the person making your sandwich, buy the homeless person a meal. Do something nice without expecting anything in return. It will make you both feel amazing.
 
 
So there you have it. 8 ways to feel positive and make a difference in a world that seems filled with bad news.
 
Which stood out to you the most?
 
Share with a friend!