In the past seven days I have two friends diagnosed with significant, life alternating health issues. What has been a blow and shock to them has also impacted me. Two of them are I considered to be sister’s. Our friendships have traveled over years experiencing the trials, tribulations, and joys of life. We are bonded, close, and know everything about each other. During that same week another friend and workmate has been out of work with concerning physical symptoms. She has an appointment next week with a neurologist. It has been a lot to absorb.

“Everyday might not be good but there is something good in everyday.” Author Unknown

During that same time frame there is a continuation of significant events locally and worldwide. Ruth Bader Ginsburg died, three of the special needs animals that the incredible Sue Rogers founder of The Mia Foundation cared for passed away. Fires, climate change, COVID19, racial discrimination, killing of black individuals, shootings, people losing their jobs, people without money to eat and live, venom and hate being projected from one person to another. Stress, sadness, and fear abounds all around. Judgements are quick to make, fingers are pointed in blame, peace is hard to find.

Maya Angelou said “If you don’t like something change it. If you can’t change it change your attitude.”

Despite all of these real, significant things there still continue to be good and lots of it. Individuals and groups are rising up to take on the “good fight” as John Lewis said to help, support, protect, and care for one another. When I googled “rates of people doing good during COVID19” pages of stories appeared. Next I googled “people supporting Black Lives Matter protests.” Once again there were pages of how most Americans support Black Lives Matter and the protests. Last I googled “are there good things happening everyday in the world right now 2020.” Pages of stories appeared in my search.

“There is some good in this world, and it’s worth fighting for.” J.R.R. Tolkien

So while there is hardship and strife, there is good stuff going on. Lots of it. It can be hard to find and difficult to see yet good is all around us. Everyday I post stories of good and search out stories of kindness, generosity, and caring as a concrete reminder of all the good there is. It helps me see the positivity in people and the world we live in. I practice my own personal acts of kindness everyday doing so as a way to put positive energy into the world. The best friend I can be to my three friends is to be in a positive mindset. To have hope for them, to be supportive for them, to be there for what they need. When I take the time to search out the good and to do good I feel emotionally happier and positive. Taking care of my self and my mental health helps me to be a really good friend.

Most remarkable person take care of your most amazing self. Choose to seek out stories of good to help remind and reinforce that there is good to be found. This world and the people in it are hurting. Now, more than ever, we need the goodness and kindness of each other. We can do this.

May the good be with you💜

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash