Dr. Michael R. MacDonald
Is all the negativity out there beating you down? Do you want to get back up and stay up?
A strong dose of optimism will help.
I explained in a recent post how optimism can be a powerful force. It can lead to greater productivity, better health, stronger relationships and an improved quality of life.
But, this optimism can be hard to maintain.
Maybe you are still sinking. Maybe the damage has been too extensive. I hope not.
Here are two ways to help. Let’s take a look.
Reparative Reading and Viewing
If the algorithms or network television have been getting you down and altering your optimistic view of the world, the first steps are to limit and/or control your exposure. Or as they say in health care, stop the bleeding. I discussed several ways to do this in my last post.
A second strategy is to try and repair the damage.
I came across this idea of reparative reading in a book on art criticism, which I enjoyed. The book was Funny Weather:Art in an Emergency by Olivia Lang. Here are some little excerpts from the book cover.
“With characteristic originality and compassion, Funny Weather celebrates art as an antidote to a terrifying political moment.”
“Olivia Laing makes a brilliant, inspiring case for why art matters more than ever, as a force of both resistance and repair. Art, she argues, changes how we see the world. It gives us X-ray vision. It reveals inequalities and offers fertile new ways of living.”
I liked the idea of purposefully reading and viewing to help open our eyes to the world. This helps counter all the negativity offered by social media and the network news. There are a lot of very smart and compassionate people out there doing amazing things.
And, of course, art is only one of the many ways to help lift you up and warm your heart.
Here is one example of reparative viewing.
Bill Gates With The Details
I have been watching the two seasons of Bill Gates Netflix series, called What’s Next?
To me, this series is reparative because each episode takes a deep look at each topic. The episodes are easy to digest, but they also provide a detailed overview of complex issues. This is important because most issues and controversies in today’s world are complicated, with many sides to them.
Secondly, the overall series has an optimistic tone. And, he doesn’t go looking for someone to blame.
Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates describe themselves as impatient optimists. I think this is very fitting. GSD with heart, a winning combination.
Blogs and newsletters from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation are also uplifting. One is even called The Optimist. I wrote a little about their attitudes toward philanthropy, the future and life in general in the post below.
A Lovely Way To Feel
Our optimism is precious. Here is someone who gets it.
I came across a lovely quote by John Krasinski, actor, writer and director, well-known from his role in the television series, The Office.
“I go to bed every night knowing that there is more good in the world than bad”.
What a lovely way to feel. And a powerful message to his family, friends and the world. Thank you John.
Until next time, let our warm hearts soar!
Michael
michael@aWarmHeart.ca
And thank you for caring that little bit extra – it really makes a big difference.
