Why are messages and stories of hope and optimism so absent in our culture? We certainly hear enough of the negative, so why aren’t we reading and hearing more about the positive? A good question and one that I know many of us ask regularly, but alas, its one that has a very complicated answer.
I was raised in an atmosphere of love and compassion and I am blessed for this, because it helped us to seek out the good and positive, particularly when it’s not readily shared. Wouldn’t it be nice if the news shared more happy and inspirational stories? Instead of our culture focusing on the bad and the wrong, wouldn’t it be uplifting if they gave at least as much attention to the positive and the good?
Being a positive and optimistic person today, does require more effort than it used to — perhaps the media has caused this problem, but it’s really one that is easy to remedy on the familial and community level. For example, our towns could start by highlighting more of the good things people do in the community. Or how about if families started complimenting and uplifting one another? For example, can you imagine how much good it would do if each day, families said things to each other like…
“Hey, you look especially great today!”
“Did I tell you how much I love you today?”
“Good job on that math test!”
“It’s okay if you didn’t get an A, as long as you do your best, that’s all anybody can ask for.”
I do worry that families are losing touch with each other because of technology — people are always on a device…even Mom’s and Dad’s! It’s especially important to help our country’s youth realize their full potential and giving them encouragement and support is vital to ensuring they grow up to be fulfilled, positive people.
Daily affirmations have started to regain their popularity and what’s great about them is that we don’t just have to say them to/for ourselves, but can actually say them to benefit others! Here are some examples of positive affirmations we can use every day, which will help make another person feel loved and appreciated:
“I’m always so happy to see you!”
“You’re more than capable and I have complete confidence in you!”
“If I didn’t tell you this today, know that I truly love and value you.”
“I’m so thankful to have you in my life.”
“You are doing such a great job and I am really proud of you.”
“You’re very special to me.”
“The world is a much brighter place because of you.”
“You’re perfect just the way you are.”
“Great job! You have every right to be proud of yourself!”
“You are a true friend and I am thankful for your friendship.”
“You are the kind of friend that everyone should have.”
“I believe in you.”
“No matter what, always be true to yourself, because you’re an absolutely wonderful person.”
Despite what some say, the truth is, kindness and compassion matter. If we just spent a little time each day focusing on the positive and uplifting each other, this world would be a much more harmonious, positive place. If you struggle with expressing your emotions verbally, then a simple “I want you to know that I really appreciate you” can still go a long way — or, write it in a note. So today, I hope you’ll make the commitment to not only being kinder to yourself, but also to show kindness and compassion to as many people as you can.
