Shiny Happy People
Shiny Happy People - Originally Posted December 1, 2016
Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.
Martin Luther King Jr.
The last blog post I wrote was back in late July – I usually post each month or maybe six weeks. A lot has happened in our world and our country since that last post. Sometimes its hard for me to write about events I feel passionately about. The uncertainty around me caused me to pull inward, reflect, and focus on the world I’d like to see. A world full of love and kindness, where all women and men are treated equally, a world of peace, a world without starving children, a world with clean drinking water for all, public education, and quality healthcare at an affordable rate. I began this blog back in 2014 as a way to share the intersection of my life and art while spreading more light, love, and laughter in the world. On reflection that focus is even more important today, especially the last bit about spreading more light, love, and laughter.
There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.
Edith Wharton
I’ve decided to spend some time being a mirror. I remember now that one of the reasons I stopped subscribing to the newspaper delivered to my home was the dominant amount of negative news stories; it can be overwhelming and frankly a little depressing. News on the internet or tv isn’t any better, but with one story at a time instead of several on a page it was less overwhelming. Maybe I’m “oversensitive’ but in my opinion we all should be. We shouldn’t normalize violence, negativity, and hatred. I recently re-subscribed to that paper copy coming to my door each morning along with the NY Times on Sundays. I have always felt strongly its important to keep informed, and perhaps more so now than ever before in my lifetime. My first copy came and sure enough there was SO much negativity, the front page had two headlines, one about a shooting involving police and the other about political disagreement and a local vote recount. Then there are 5 story headlines shared that are throughout the paper, they were all about violence and unrest. I find myself wondering if all the violence and ugliness is what sells papers – but again it is important to know what is going on. Of course I could just read the food, sports, entertainment, and book sections. However, I think there is an important counterbalance for this negativity: spreading heartwarming stories happening around us and around the world. I’ve decided to feature one each month – stories that renew my sense of goodness in my fellow humans. They are out there, compassionate people doing good deeds. There are a lot more of them than we know because most of the time they get squeezed out of the headlines. I want to reflect the positive things happening in our communities. Think about how it makes you feel when you do see an article like that, it makes me smile and carry that feeling throughout the day. We need more of that don’t you think?
As we become pure channels for God’s light, we develop an appetite for the sweetness that is possible in this world. A miracle worker is not geared toward fighting the world that is, but toward creating the world that can be.
Marianne Williamson
I hope some of you will help me by commenting below or emailing me (boldmovesstudio@gmail.com) about people or organizations you know of that are doing good in their community so I can research their story and shine a light on them here. Maybe you have a personal story of something you are doing, big or small to make a difference. We can all make a difference; reflecting the good is where I’m starting. Who knows how many people might then be motivated to take action and we can have that wonderful ripple effect of good deeds! Please share this post to spread the word, those stories are out there, those shiny happy people making a difference, I can’t wait to share them!
We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.
Nelson Mandela
Light, Love, and Laughter,
Shannon
