“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” – Anaïs Nin

Everyday we wake up and are accosted with news that is unsavory. It’s news that is emotionally striking in deep ways and it’s taxing. While journalism is important in these times, it’s also important to take a moment to recognize that there are good things happening in the world as well.

I was struck when I saw this artwork on Instagram recently: a watercolor painting of a pink flower in a hand, a peace offering of sorts, as the cover of an edition of The New York Times. Do we remind ourselves enough of how beautiful life is? I am starting to believe that we don’t and this needs to change. Yes, there are enormous issues that need to be solved, and yes there are issues that have extreme urgency. However, when does the news offer a moment of gratitude? A moment to be grateful that there are good things happening.

There are communities that are coming together to help one another.

There are individuals who are kind to one another.

There are peacemakers.

There are givers.

There are people who still have hope even in times that seem hopeless.

Don’t stop watching the news entirely to avoid the world’s events, build moments of gratitude into your days, reflections which are energizing and centered around the idea that life is beautiful.