Positivity is an incredibly powerful force, yet it’s one that is massively underutilized. Flags across the country have been at half mast all year. Our country is at odds; odds against foreign “enemies” and worse, within our own communities. There is so much hate swirling through the air and infiltrating our cities, homes and minds. We could use some positivity in our lives more than ever.
Terrorism, racism, bigotry and hate aren’t easy issues to solve. Our leaders, politicians and influencers have a monumental task ahead of them and one that will have to be chipped away at for years, decades, and lifetimes. But it’s not all on them – it’s also on us. I’ve thought a lot about how I can help. It’s overwhelming and it’s hard to imagine how anything I can do will make a difference.
But, as I’ve read through people’s reactions to the recent violence and terror, I’ve noticed that the ones that seem to make the biggest impact are those that don’t place blame on any one person. Instead, they point the fingers back at us. We’re all in this together and one way that we can make a difference, as tiny as it may seem, is to stay positive. No matter how little control we think we have, we all are the master of our own thoughts and our actions. We decide to judge. We decide to hate. We decide to be scared.
Let’s decide to be positive. Let’s recognize our biases and judgments and let them go. While it may seem like a small feat (and sadly in no way can ease the pain of those who have been directly affected), it’s at least a step. Bringing awareness and positivity to our own actions rather than feeling helpless or placing blame on others is a weapon every one of us possesses. Let’s use that weapon for good together.
Who’s with me?
Love this so much Nicole!
Thanks! 🙂
Great post Nicole! I agree with you, sometimes it’s so easy to see the bad and negative and feed on those emotions, but if one person in a group exudes positivity, it’s usually contagious. Glad to read your post this morning. Thanks!
Thanks Anna!
Most people won’t understand since the military is such a small percentage of our population but honestly it’s a perfect example of what our country could be. I’ve been in 5 years and everyone does their job, is responsible for their own actions and the actions of those on their team -regardless of race. Of course there’s a few bad eggs but overall everyone works together really well.
Such a great perspective!
Great post Nicole! I agree with you about being positive. My husband gets so agitated with people, thinking they are being rude and discourteous. I try to point out to him that what he perceives as rudeness may just be them being preoccupied. I also try to point out that if he returns “rudeness” with “rudeness”, our society will crumble. Well……. maybe not CRUMBLE but I hope you get the drift of what I am saying. That he should return perceived “rudeness” with kindness and patience.
Thank you for pointing out to us how we can help in these scary days. I have noticed in the workplace that one bad “seed” can poison the whole bag of apples. The flipside should be true as well. I will strive to be more positive. If we all do this, maybe we will have an impact on our environments.
Thanks again!
So true about the corporate culture. I have seen both sides of it – great culture sand bad ones. I’ve seen good cultures go bad with a few bad apples like you said. We all can do our part to making this country more accepting.
I love the idea of thinking about action and looking inwards rather than judging or attacking others. I don’t think what you’re describing is a small feat at all–it’s super hard and a good goal/reminder. Thanks!
Glad you agree!
Love this post lady!!
Thanks!