A daily dose of violence, environmental disasters, political corruption, and corporate greed can get anyone down. Media are competing for attention, and one of the ways they attract it is by featuring stories that fit the old newsroom adage: “If it bleeds, it leads.”
Still, on the great balance scale of life, I have a hunch the good far outweighs the bad. It just gets less air time. So this site celebrates the beauty and inspiration that surround us.
I spend plenty of time speaking and writing against injustice, prejudice, corruption, and environmental stupidity – including my own contributions to those sorry states. But I’d be an ungrateful wretch if I didn’t call out the good and the beautiful. There’s so much to be grateful for, if we actually pay attention.
I’m setting out to find 1001 reasons to be optimistic. That’s how many nights it took Scheherazade to soften the heart of the king. I invite you to share the stories, people, places, photographs, and events that give you hope. Maybe we can soften enough hearts to put humanity on a healthier path.
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Catherine,
Wow! I love your site–the spirit, the ideas, the connections and probably the best short description we have seen to date about the Little Free Library project. You’re the greatest! My only problem is that between Daily Good, This Gives Me Hope and my normal 100s of emails, there’s little time left for, say, meditation and work! I’ll put a link up on http://www.littlefreelibrary.org if it’s okay with you. Then, at about midnight, I’ll try to resist reading your other blogs. Dang. No self discipline…
Rick
I hear you, Rick, but why, oh why, did you have to mention Daily Good, which now absolutely MUST go on my to-read list. This morning I had over 800 e-mails in my inbox, dozens of Tweets to respond to, Facebook messages…and on it goes. Ah, well, life is so darned rich, and the Internet makes it moreso. It’s how I learned you were related to a friend of mine, purely by posting a link to your fantastic project, which makes me smile every time I think about it.
I just came across you on Twitter. I have often wished there was a magazine or newspaper or something that flaunted the beautiful goings-on in the world. That surely the good news must outweigh the bad!! Our world was not created by the baddies and I for one, don’t think they deserve all the attention they get… Thank you so much for promoting the Good in the world. Does this fall under the category of Paying it Forward?
What a good question. I hadn’t thought of it as paying forward, but that’s a good description. I’m amazed and humbled by the beauty around me – the planet, people, plants, animals, unexpected grace and generosity. Just seemed like time to share a bit of what makes me stand in awe.
Cathryn, the more I read the more I enjoy your site. Thank you for your dedication to growing this blog and looking for blessings, it causes others to follow suit!
Thanks, Karen. I’m finding that any day I need a boost, all I have to do is wander around on the site. It always gives me joy. I’m so glad you stopped by, and thanks a million for taking the time to leave comments.
Cathryn,
Whenever, where ever I come across your posts or links I’m thrilled to have met you thanks to our Online community. Wishing you (and us) many more things on y/our path that bring us hope.
Thankful.
Warmly, Judith
That kindred spirits can find each other in the constraints of 140 characters is a small, beautiful miracle. I am so happy we connected, Judith.