bad-newsWhen the nightly news is filled with the major tragedies of today, it is very hard to stay positive and upbeat.  Even if these terrible things weren’t done to us or to someone we love, they still affect us.  They are all around us.  They are being done to people who are like us, who have families and friends, dreams and goals.  Everyone is affected.

That’s what terrorists are trying to do to us…affect us in a negative manner.  They want us to be as unhappy and miserable as they are.  But they chose to be miserable.  You and I don’t have to choose that.  Their acts of terrorism are designed to get us to turn against each other…to hate each other. They want us to live in fear and to mistreat our neighbors, especially our neighbors of different colors and nationalities.  But I refuse to let them win and I hope you do, too.

So what can we do?  Here are a few small things to start with:

  • Smile at everyone and say hello, especially to people who look sad and people who are different than us.
  • Take time each day to notice the things around you…nature, colors, architecture, patterns. This will heighten your senses and make you feel good.
  • Make a point to be grateful for what you have.
  • Think about how you feel when you are enjoying your life. Focus on that feeling.
  • Write a thank you note to your local police department and tell them how much it means to you that they are keeping you and your neighborhood safe.
  • Write a letter to someone in the armed forces and say thank you for fighting for our freedom.
  • Write a letter or note or mail a sympathy card to the families who have lost someone they love.
  • Help others with a personal chore, a donation, or cook them a meal.
  • Post happy pictures and positive thoughts on your social media pages.
  • Be kind, caring, and respectful of all people.

Understand that we are all being affected in one way or another by these negative actions of people who do not have our values or respect for human life.  It is up to us to resist the dark side of life and stay focused on a positive future.