*Deep sigh.* Does anyone else have, “Y’all gon’ make me lose my mind, up in here…up in here” on loop in their heads these days? Just me? 🧘🏾♀️
If you’re tapped into social media or cable news, you undoubtedly feel overwhelmed – even helpless sometimes. Bad news dominates every headline, and even the simplest conversations can escalate to angry debates. It’s exhausting. But despite everything you see and hear, there’s still light in the world. Positive stories do exist and it’s up to us to celebrate and elevate them. To add more of the goodness the world so desperately needs (and hold onto your sanity), here are:
Five Tips for Staying Positive in an Increasingly Negative World
Own Your Energy
Watch your mouth (and your keyboard strokes). Be mindful of how you’re showing up. Are you quick to judge or slower to listen? Accountability means checking your biases and being mindful of who and what you support, particularly if it’s at someone else’s expense. Positivity doesn’t mean passivity; it’s about showing up for what’s right and speaking with purpose. Challenge yourself to add light to every interaction—online and offline.
Be Intentional With Media
The 24/7 news cycle can be toxic. Check reputable sources once or twice a day and skip the constant updates. On social media, unfollow accounts that weigh you down with gossip and negativity and instead fill your feed with those that bring inspiration and insight. Think before you post or comment—not everything needs your response or hot take. Do unto others…
Commit to Small Acts of Kindness
Negativity spreads fast, but kindness is just as contagious. Smile at a stranger, check on a friend, or give a quick compliment—these little moments can make a big impact on someone’s day. And don’t overlook kindness toward yourself. When you treat yourself with grace, it’s easier to do the same for others.
Balance Realism with Optimism
Being positive doesn’t mean pretending everything is okay. It’s about facing reality with a will to see the good and work for something better. When things get difficult, stay open to finding new solutions instead of becoming paralyzed by fear or anger. Where there’s a will, I promise, there’s a way.
Allow Space for Grief
Sometimes, you just need to let it out—cry, scream, journal, meditate, or just sit with your thoughts. Make room to process your feelings and grieve whatever needs grieving. Then, when you’re ready, rise up and move forward knowing that, as the elders say, “trouble don’t last always.”
Be the Light
We may not control the challenges the world brings our way, but we do control how we show up. By fostering positivity in our own lives, we create an environment that supports compassion and kindness. Even when the world doesn’t reflect back to us the good we put out there, every small contribution counts. Staying positive in an increasingly negative world is tough, but don’t be discouraged. There’s always light, even in the darkest places. Be the light. 🌟
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