It is sad to see how constant distractions and overwhelming events dominate our lives, it’s easy to feel lost amidst the chaos. People are getting caught up in everything happening around them—political divisions, natural disasters, personal losses, breakups, unfulfilling jobs—and in the process, we’re forgetting what it means to be human. We’ve lost sight of the beauty and wonder that life still holds, neglecting to be grateful for even the smallest things that surround us each day.
We’ve become so absorbed in the whirlwind of news feeds, debates, and daily stresses that we’ve stopped appreciating the simple joys that make life meaningful. For me, it’s the two cardinals that have taken residence in the trees in my yard. Watching them brings me immense joy—so much so that I’d rather spend hours observing their graceful flights than scrolling through social media. Social media has become a toxic place, a space where humans have forgotten how to be human, filled with negativity and superficial connections.
It’s easy to get swept up in the negativity that seems to permeate our society. The challenges we face—both globally and personally—can make it feel like the world is a harsh place. But deep inside, I insist on holding onto positivity. I know I don’t always succeed; sometimes I slip into negativity myself. But for the most part, I strive to keep a positive outlook, even when life tries its hardest to knock me down. Here are some ways you can also spread the goodness:
- Smile at strangers: A simple smile can brighten someone’s day and create a ripple of positivity.
- Offer sincere compliments: Share genuine praise to uplift others and boost their confidence.
- Practice random acts of kindness: Hold the door open, pay for someone’s coffee, or help a neighbor—small acts make a big difference.
- Express gratitude: Take a moment to appreciate the little things and thank those around you.
- Listen attentively: Give someone your full attention when they speak, showing that you value their thoughts and feelings.
- Share a joke or funny story: Lighten the mood by bringing laughter into everyday conversations.
- Use humor and sarcasm thoughtfully: Employ witty, light-hearted sarcasm to make others chuckle, ensuring it’s appropriate and not hurtful.
- Engage in meaningful conversations: Discuss topics that inspire, motivate, and bring people together.
- Offer assistance: Whether at work or in your community, lend a helping hand when you see an opportunity.
- Spread positivity on social media: Share uplifting messages, stories, or humorous content instead of engaging in negativity.
- Reconnect with nature: Take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty around you and encourage others to do the same.
- Be patient and understanding: Practice empathy by being considerate of others’ feelings and perspectives.
- Compliment someone’s sense of humor: Acknowledge and appreciate when others make you laugh.
- Send a thoughtful message: Reach out to friends or family members just to let them know you’re thinking of them.
- Laugh at yourself: Show others it’s okay not to take life too seriously by finding humor in your own quirks and mistakes.
Humor remains my lifeline. Not just any humor, but an unapologetic, sharp, and sarcastic wit that often leaves those around me puzzled or amused. There are times when people look at me as if I’ve just stepped off a spaceship, wondering where I come from or what’s going through my mind. But humor has saved me. It’s my weapon against the darkness, a reminder that no matter how tough things get, laughter can still pierce through the gloom and bring light.
As I navigate through these moments of laughter and self-reflection, a deeper question gnaws at me—a question that makes my heart ache. Have we forgotten what it means to be human? In the rush of life and the weight of our own burdens, have we lost touch with the things that make us truly alive? Love, empathy, respect, gratitude—these should be at the core of our interactions, yet it seems they’re slipping away.
It’s easy to become cynical, to look at the world and feel as though the kindness, compassion, and care that once connected us have faded into the background. That realization hurts. It saddens me to think we may be losing the very essence of what makes us human. But with that sadness comes a powerful sense of hope. I am one of those who still believe in spreading goodness, and I know I’m not alone.
I refuse to give up on humanity. I will continue to believe in kindness, to choose empathy over judgment, and to love without hesitation. I will stand by the belief that no matter what someone else thinks or believes, we can still respect one another and care for each other. It doesn’t matter where we come from, what we’ve been through, or what challenges we face—our shared humanity is a bond that transcends all of that.
In every moment, whether it’s in the face of adversity or joy, I will continue to spread goodness. No matter when, no matter where, no matter how difficult life gets. I will keep shining a light—not because the world needs saving, but because I believe the world is still worth it. In this journey of life, we must remember what it means to be human. We must reconnect with the love, empathy, and compassion that lie at the heart of our existence. This is my mission, and I’ll keep walking this path, spreading hope, love, and light along the way.
Now, I know there will be those who read this and feel compelled to post negative comments. There are always people who seek out the opportunity to tear others down or diminish the meaning of something positive. To those people, I want to say this: I truly don’t give a damn. Life moves forward regardless of your opinions or judgments. What you say, what I say—it doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. We all get to choose how we show up in this world. Some of us choose to bring light, while others seem hell-bent on spreading negativity. That’s their choice. And while their input might be loud, it won’t change the fact that the cycle of life continues, with or without their negativity. So, to those who want to criticize: go ahead. It won’t stop me. I’ll keep spreading positivity, not because I think I’m better or because I need validation, but because it’s who I am. The rest is just noise, and I’ll keep walking right past it.
