As we proceed forward in life, we are constantly bombarded with a surfeit of negative news. This, of course, can be directly attributed to Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, and their style of reporting, known as yellow journalism. (1) They realized that “if it bleeds it leads,” (2) negative news sells! Why? It is probably biological. When we left the Rift Valley in Ethiopia, some 150 million years ago (3) or so, we were small in number and weak in stature. The animals that walked the plain feasted upon us. The only way we could survive was to be constantly vigilant and to look out for one another. This produced the “fight or flight” phenomenon that is so much a part of our natural being.
The publishers, stated above, rather sadly, realized that this could be harnessed to sell more newspapers. This phenomenon now fully permeates our society. People today are sadder than they have ever been (4) due in large part to this pessimistic juggernaut. This is not to say that we should be overly optimistic and naive. Life is hard! It has always been, and it probably always will be. That said, hope is a natural quality that gives us the power to fight on for another day. If I succumb to the forces of pain and loss, much like the concept of atheism, there is no future, no way forward.
The essential spark in me, that is so important as a human being, is extinguished! Curiously, once this light is stopped, it is extremely hard to reignite. So in any situation, it is important that we analyze the entire field of results. This, as might be expected, is neither positive nor negative. It is real. If I am prepared for the great losses that could occur in a situation, I am also ready for the immeasurable gains that, potentially, may happen, as well.
There is something to be said for courage and the ability to take a chance — whether that is starting a business or asking a girl out on a date. If nothing is done, we fail to realize that this is also an action — the action of doing nothing. Conversely, when we act, commit, something may occur. There will be a reaction that I will have to deal with.
I was speaking with someone the other day about the trauma of losing a job. I have been there and can totally identify with this terror. This situation is normally exacerbated. The job loss is concomitant with the car breaking down, the roof leaking, and other sudden expenses. It seems to go from bad to worse, and you feel as if you will explode, figuratively, from the stress. What one fails to realize at this time, not unexpectedly, is that in the end, it will all work out! As long as you continue to strive and fight another day, there will be a resolution to this crisis — a happy result will probably present itself.
Now, to be fair, life is fickle, bad things do happen. But normally, they don’t happen to me. It is an ancient truism to say that a positive attitude will usually prevail over a negative one. Without this belief, the flame in society, as we know it, would have been doused eons ago. The psychologist, Ed Diener, (5) leaves us with a thought: Probably the biggest insight … is that happiness is not just a place, but also a process. … Happiness is an ongoing process of fresh challenges, and … it takes the right attitude and activities to continue to be happy.
A closing thought: Therefore, in any circumstance, it behooves us to fully analyze the result. We will then be prepared to deal with whatever outcome will transpire from our action — even one that is telling and unpleasant. We will then be able to proceed on our life mission. Perhaps a little “bloodied and bruised,” but certainly wiser and more experienced.
To sum up: This week, we spoke about looking for the positive over the negative.
To be noted: From William Shakespeare — Discretion is the better part of valor
Just for fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_GAPeOg79A&list=RDK_GAPeOg79A&start_radio=1
For reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wlaf8C2cc1U
This week, on your thoughtful trek, please ponder the joy in your heart.
Every day, look for something magical and beautiful.
Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great!
Quote: Look for happiness in your actions.
Footnotes:
1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU2BjNTcToU
2) Some credit the news magazine show “A Current Affair” or media commentator Eric Pooley, who referred to it in describing sensationalist news coverage.
3) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJybfmbrOCE
4) https://edition.cnn.com/2019/04/25/health/gallup-world-emotions-index-scli-intl