With all of the politics and global crises that have disrupted our peace of mind and our faith in humanity, it is hard to remember the good things about our world today.
It is almost impossible to turn on the news and be given stories meant to inspire and motivate.
The news, no matter what network you are tuned into is either covering stories about terror, Donald Trump or the California drought.
None of them good for our well being or peace of mind.
And if we listen to all of this constantly, it is going to do more harm than good.
But because we cannot live this life uninformed or live by the saying “ignorance is bliss”, I compiled a list of both serious and silly things to help put into perspective the good parts about our world today.
1. Starbucks
Yes, it seems silly to put coffee on the list, especially since coffee has been a staple for centuries. However, coffee infused with sugary syrups, caramel drizzle and whipped cream on top has been a pretty recent revelation, one that has made my life that much sweeter. Becasue really, how bad can your life get that a vat of sugar and caffeine can't fix?
2. Equal marriage laws
Yes, I am sure some people still see this as an abomination in this world, but let's take a step back and realize how much more love and joy is in this world. Since same-sex couples have been able to get married and create families in the most sacred way, there has been an actual decrease in suicide and depression, more children have been adopted and quite honestly an increase in overall happiness and acceptance throughout the world.
3. Netflix
What bad day, rainy day or sick day has not been cured by the latest TV show binge or movie marathon? It is the best feeling after a long day to curl up in bed and get lost within a comedic sitcom fantasy for a while. Sometimes spacing out of reality and your responsibilities for a little bit is actually a good thing (or at least I have convinced myself). So go cuddle up! Michael Scott and the rest of The Office are waiting for you!
4. Women’s progression on both political sides
Whether conservative or liberal, no one can argue the progression of women on both sides. Both parties in the primaries each had a female candidate, making history for both major parties. Both Fox News and MSNBC have top news reporters Megyn Kelly and Rachel Maddow, more famous and well known than their male counter- parts. One thing to keep in mind is that both parties support the equality for women, which is pretty rad considering that less than 100 years ago, we were not even given the chance to have a political stance. You go girls!
5. Medical advances
Modern science has helped us cure thousands of diseases and have given us the resources to continue the progression and cure even more. Because of this, life expectancy is at an all time high, giving the elderly an opportunity to prolong their life and giving the youth hope for even further progression in the coming decades.
6. College education
Higher education is now pretty much required if you want to be successful in the workforce. And although college tuition has sky-rocketed, the number of college students enrolled in college has never been higher. This means that young kids are getting the opportunities to engage in their areas of expertise, which I know in my own case has motivated me even more to get as much as I can out of the education I am getting. And once you earn that college degree, there is nothing that can stop you... except for the lack of jobs. But one battle at a time, please!
7. A good book
Something taken for granted, especially with the modern technology that all but controls our lives, is a good read. Whether you are into classics, modern novels, sci-fi, romance or nonfiction, there is nothing better than cracking open that book with a cup of coffee or another treat of your liking. I know that I feel giddy when I walk out of a bookstore with a few books in hand, thinking about all of the new worlds I will get to be a part of. Or the comfortable feeling of slipping into an old world you have read about a thousand times, but feel the need to go back once more. It is another escape from reality, a break from the chaos outside your door.
8. YOUR LIFE
Last but not least, the great thing about the world is that YOU are a part of it! You have every possibility to make it great and make it your own. With all of the bad stuff encircling our lives, it is easy to forget the wonderful things about our life. Like the fact that we have each other. The fact that there has never been so much love and acceptance in this world. Ever. And although racism and sexism are still prominent in our society, it is better than it ever has been. So look at your life, look at who you are and look at all of the great things happening for you. I know the one thing that makes my life better is knowing you are a part of it.
The next time that you feel depressed or scared about how this world is going, take a look at this list, or make your own, and find the good within your life.
And if worse comes to worse, remember the words from my favorite cartoon Calvin from Calvin and Hobbes:
"One of the remarkable things about life is that it's never so bad that it can't get worse."
