Do you sometimes stop and think about all of the negativity going on in our world? Do you find it altering you mood when you do? How do you remain happy when there is so much negativity? As a resident of Baltimore, Maryland, I have recently been surrounded by negativity more than usual.
If you are not familiar with what is going on in Baltimore, a young black man was arrested and died in police custody which wound up causing riots.
Since the riots, our homicide rate has increased significantly mainly because our police are weary of doing their jobs.
Since I am on Facebook often, I am often seeing new reports of the latest homicide, how much the City dislikes our Mayor and the constant battle about police, politics and criminals.
If that isn't bad enough, there are stories happening all over the world, some of which come through my newsfeed.
Unfortunately, I cannot just stop using Facebook.
I have a career that requires me to work with social networks.
I realized that I needed to find a way to bounce off the constant negativity going on in social media.
I will share a few of the ideas I came up with and am now practicing: 1.
I wake each day saying a little prayer showing my gratitude for life.
Each day that I wake is a gift.
2.
I look at my young son who is so innocent and has so much to endure in his life.
I often fear what his future will be like.
I wonder how bad things will become in our world when he ages.
Instead, I have decided that is my job to teach my son the importance of being grateful, being kind and staying focused on the positive things in life..
3.
I find it important to know what is going on outside of my bubble so I do read highlights on news stories.
However, I do not watch TV at all (I am too busy and find enjoyment in other things).
If I am in a sad mood, I will not take the time to read through any negative posts or news stories on my Facebook feed.
4.
I take the negativity that I absorb and push it out by doing random acts of kindness.
5.
I make my son laugh.
This is best way for me to remain happy when my world may be crumbling around me.
6.
I do take the time to read encouraging and inspiring stories.
7.
Finally, I do my best to keep my spirits high.
I mean this in a spiritual way.
I try to stay in tune with the present and I remind myself that I can't change what I can't control (outside negativity).
The important thing to remember, is that you do not need to absorb the negativity going on in our world.
There is a way to be involved without letting it tear you down.
Stay focused on what is good.
If you want to make a difference, then do something positive.