In today’s world there is a plethora of pain; in ways no one wants to admit or acknowledge. A quick scroll through the news headlines in your Facebook feed will offer up more proof then you’ll ever want. There are some seriously depressing + demoralizing things going on in today’s world. It sucks, there’s no way around that. I am not going to deny that. I’m also not trying to take away from anyone’s pain, frustration or confusion. However, there is also an immense amount of love + joy floating around in this world, too. It just takes a little effort to find it.

For some ironic reason it is during times of great distress that we seem to become more aware of these flickering moments of hope. They become driftwood we cling to as the confusion of reality swirls around us. You don’t need much to find that flicker, but if you’re not open to the possibility of finding joy + love it’ll stay elusive. Simply be open-minded enough to soak up a bit of positivity + watch the world create opportunities for heartfelt goodness. This hope for mankind can come from the simplest places. It is moments like this that keep me coming back for more; every single day…

…after a late night/early morning duo that has you in a funk a bit of witty, sarcastic banter with the barista whipping up your triple shot latte could throw a little pep in your step.

…during a busy shift in the ER a stand-up, responsible adult returning to share contact information + a heartfelt apology with the other half of a truly accidental mountain collision.

…mid-way through a stressful drive over a mountain pass watching someone stop to push a stuck stranger just enough for their wheels to grab traction + carry them away.

…witnessing a friend choose family over work, knowing it’s not an easy choice, but definitely the right choice [+ supporting them every step of the way].

…reading about strangers helping strangers, simply because the opportunity presented itself — the one positive thing you’ll find in the overwhelming headlines.

The true beauty of these little moments is how they affect…everything. They’re fantastic simply because they affect your individual outlook on life. But in the long run, it’s the butterfly affect of each moment that has the power to change the perspective of the world. This is what “today’s world” needs; more than anything else. We will always be faced with un-explainable negativity + mind-boggling hatred, that’s a sad fact of life. These don’t need to be the moments that define us as individuals, as a human race or as the occupants of Mother Earth. We can be…no, we are…more than the confusing, judgmental hatred that is punching us in the throat every day.

This is our opportunity to become something more. We all know how encouraging + enlightening it is to see someone else offer up a helping hand or an understanding smile during times of distress….now is our chance to be that to someone else. But, let’s not stop at just an out reached hand or a knowing nod. Take action, somehow. If you’re not politically inclined [ahem, like myself] then don’t focus on the politics. You can be a nice person without any political motives.

Go back to your roots as a kind-hearted human being. Start up a conversation with a stranger, simply because you’re waiting for the same bus. Buy a latte for a friend, just to give yourself time to talk about whatever strikes your fancy. Hold the door open for the person behind you, because their smile of gratitude makes it worth it. Pick up some trash in the parking lot, as that is not where it belongs. Let someone in a rush cut in line at the grocery store, this may give them a chance to slow down + appreciate life.

Yes, yes…it really is that simple. Just be a decent human being. Heck, go out of your way to be an extra decent human being. You’ll be the pebble that starts a ripple of hope + right now, in this moment, that can be enough.


4 Comments

Jacquelyn · January 25, 2021 at 1:50 pm

Great post!

Amiee · February 1, 2021 at 6:11 pm

Lately I’ve felt almost guilty that I keep having these amazing happy moments, because everything is so freaking crummy in the world. I think it is important to take time off from the news and give yourself permission to find joy and beauty or else we will all freaking go insane and be no good for any cause!

    Heidi Kumm · February 6, 2021 at 11:13 am

    Those last words…exactly where my brains + emotions have been going lately. Maybe it’s privilege, maybe it’s perspective, maybe it’s stubborn survival tactics. Whatever it is, I hope no one out there lingers on the feelings of guilt that come with a good day in the world we’re currently living in! <3

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