This morning I was busy trying to talk myself out being busy...of doing housework. I didn’t completely succeed. I weakened. I succumbed and ended up doing a light load of laundry. Also I lifted the broom and waved it around a bit. I thought of going for a ride on it, but decided against that idea...for now.
While being busy trying not to be busy I worked out that I probably, unintentionally in most instances, read, watch, hear and catch glimpses of the world’s news on a daily average of four hours...give or take...if I took the time to add up the time spent!
It would be similar for most of us, I suppose. Every which way we look, we’re inundated with news – the good, the bad and the ugly...and the very ugly.
There’s far too much of the latter three.
However, among all the mayhem and horrors are the positive, inspirational stories,
which abound with goodness, bravery and empathy.
Relating stories of individuals reaching for the stars, fulfilling their dreams, win or lose; some pushing themselves beyond the point of human endurance.
Unselfish actions and random acts of kindness touch
our hearts, often making us question our own values in life. We don’t hear enough of those stories. Too much emphasis and repetition is placed upon
the negatives...not the positives. Not enough light is shone upon the good. Too much light is placed on the bad. Surely, the latter is not beneficial to one’s frame
of mind....I know it’s not beneficial to my own.
It's so easy to become weighed down by the heavy burdens the world thrusts upon
us. Also, it's easy to become cynical, if we allow ourselves to be. We must train
ourselves to look beyond the evil-doers. Train ourselves to open our hearts and minds
to those inspirational people who each moment of each day selflessly give of themselves
to the betterment of others.
I find cynicism, as well as bitter, nasty sarcasm to
be very destructive to one’s well-being...
We should learn to give praise where and when praise is due. We should not
allow ourselves to fall into traps filled with derision and harsh criticisms.
Unfortunately, many find the latter easier to do than the former!
I'm a big fan of giving praise and the resulting smiles are reward enough.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, River...and do similar...and, as you say, smiles are worthy, welcome rewards of the best kind.
DeleteThanks for coming by...take care. :)
We've always had 'evil doers' in this world.
ReplyDeleteGet ever so tired of the 'news' often we don't turn on the news but keep an eye on it from my phone :)
Always give praise when it's due, it does do many people wonders doing that.
Hi Margaret....lately I've cut down considerably on watching/listening to the news. It's far too depressing...and repetitive. I dodge the news as much as I can.
DeleteGiving praise is a gift to the giver and the receiver.
Thanks for coming by...take good care. :)
Reality is bad, and it constantly gets worse, wiping out the smiles on our face.
ReplyDeleteYet, we shouldn't give up; we should keep on smiling and doing kind deeds.
I like your little painting. It has bright, happy colors ,it brings joy to our hearts and smiles to our lips.
You are correct, DUTA...we must never give up, no matter how difficult life around us becomes.
DeleteI'm glad you like my fun painting. :)
Thanks for coming by...take good care. :)
Such a good and true post you have written. There is much too much negative on the news. One of our regular evening news programs always saves the last five minutes for only good stories. I wish it could be longer, but I love hearing the good. I hope you are well!
ReplyDeleteG'day, Bonnie. There is too much nastiness around, too. We must at all times when we're being kind to others, we are being kind to ourselves...it is a two-way street, and good can come from empathy and generosity of spirit and actions.
DeleteThanks...I am well. I hope you are, too. Take good care. Thanks for coming by. :)
Hear. Hear. A little kindness and a few words of praise go a long way and make us all feel better.
ReplyDeleteHi Sandra. They certainly do go a long way...and we must always remember that and put them into action.
DeleteThanks for coming by....take good care. :)
We don't bother with TV news. Headlines only, and read further if the story warrants. Otherwise, no, thank you. Just keep smiling and doing good deeds, it's all we can do.
ReplyDeleteHi, messymimi...I've cut back considerably in watching the news...it's far too depressing, in many cases "sensationalised".
DeleteThanks for coming by...keep smiling...take good care. :)
Just when I needed a good motivational read, there you were. And your delightful little painting warmed my heart (which really did need it). Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome, Pauline. You had me worried....you take good care of yourself...and stop doing the Irish jig...it's too dangerous a pastime! :)
DeleteThanks for coming by...it's good to "see" you. :)
I did enjoy the Michael Bublé video :)
ReplyDeleteWe should all keep on smiling and doing kind deeds, so important, especially in current times.
Take care, stay safe and well.
I hope you are safe in the flooding.
All the best Jan
G'day, Jan,,,Yes, thank goodness. I'm okay flood-wise here where I am, but boy, oh, boy...many, many others in various areas aren't. It is still bucketing down here, and has done so throughout the night. From all accounts this weather system has been predicted to ease today. (It is 2.40 am Wednesday as I type. Water, water everywhere, and gallons to drink!!!
DeleteI like Michael Bublé....he can not only sing well, but he has such a nice way about him.
Thanks for coming by...take good care. :)
My early morning error...it is Tuesday morning...not Wednesday as I erroneously stated above. :)
DeleteI find that my day is much better off if it doesn't start with reading the news online for any length of time. There is so much repetition and not such good news most days. Thanks for the video, he is one of my favorites too!
ReplyDeleteHi Beatrice. I agree...and the repetition becomes so repetitious and tiresome very quickly!!
DeleteMany areas of Australia (including here where I live) have been receiving non-stop torrential rain...many areas are suffering devastating flooding. My heart goes out to those so sadly, and badly affected.
Michael Bublé has a special way about him...a great personality as well as singing voice. There is a wonderful documentary streaming on Netflix on the life and works of music producer, David Foster...he was the one who set Michael on his course...along with Josh Grobin, among other well-known artist. It's worth a look...a terrific doco.
Thanks for coming by...take good care. :)
Now the tune is in my head for the day:-) Yes, I try to avoid the news. It seems journalists go all around the world to find the most terrible stories they can. Love, love, love your painting.
ReplyDeleteHi Annie...I dodge the news when I can, too...but still somehow get inundated with it.
DeleteI'm glad you like my painting...a bit of frivolous fun. :)
Thanks for coming by...take good care. :)