How do we keep our focus on positive outcomes in a world focused on all that is horrific?

Question

Society seems to have the current propensity to focus on death, destruction, abuse, and generally all that is vile in the human condition.

In the face of this, how do those of us that prefer wellbeing, continue to keep our focus on things that feel good to think about?

If the world has everything in it, happy and not happy, then why all the focus on that which causes not happy? Would wise management make such choices?

Answer 1

Personal achievement = growing as human so that others will grow around you. Be kind and strong and lead in areas that you truly believe in. Be humble and patient and create a space in which others cam grow - take pride in trying to be a better human being.

Answer 2

I believe that your first error in thinking is that the majority is focused on death, destruction, abuse and all that is vile. What is your basis for making this assumption? If it is the media, then I would say that they most likely wouldn't draw any attention by reporting about "happy stories", altruistic stories and the like. People want to know what is going on in the world, even if it often times is appalling. It also seems to be that the horrific is more marked in our memories then the "good". It is almost as if the good is often times discounted. The "good" does exist and makes life worth living. There are honorable and good people out there. There are events in the world which are produced from altruistic motivation and even with the intent of peace.

As an individual, you can only affect your life and those that are around you. Most of us are not in control of the big picture. Unless you become politically active or dedicate your time to some cause, most of us can only make a difference in the corner that we create or, through circumstance, find ourselves. This does not mean that our focus should be purely self-centered; but it really does begin with the individual. If you can make your life good, if you can be a good person and touch other lives in a positive way, it is the beginning of a better world.

Life is a process of modification and change. Most alteration stems from unhappiness. One looks to change what makes one unhappy; one rarely looks to alter what makes one happy.

Answer 3

I try to keep my world small. I focus on my family, my friends, my immediate community. I spend as much time as possible in the natural world as opposed to the human constructed world. I severely limit the "news" that I allow into my life. All that information is toxic. I don't need to know what's going on in Iraq. I realize that some might think that is ostrich-like - burying my head in the sand. And I do feel a little guilty for shielding myself from the horror. But it works for me. And I try to put some positive energy into the world whenever I can. I find that I get a lot of positive energy back in return. It is increasingly difficult to maintain a sense of well-being. It's work. But it can be done.

Answer 4

When you say society, I think you are really referring to the media's coverage of world events. We're all victims of the media.

The truth is, the media go after sensationalist topics--basically "if it bleeds, it leads," is the media's mantra. Why has the media become a funnel for negativity? Over time, after crunching the numbers, media outlets have found that they make more money selling newspapers, magazines, books, and airtime to people who are shocked and subsequently inclined to spend money on learning more.

A newspaper with the headline, "BUSH IMPEACHED, THEN ASSASINATED" will definitely sell more than, "KIDS RAISE MONEY FOR HOMELESS." It's unfortunate but true.

You can be a gatekeeper of the information you absorb by reading/watching news from several sources--from stories that are sugar coated and force-fed to you, to intelligent syndicated columnist opinions, to objective fact-filled literature. Then, and ONLY then, will you notice that the positivity was there all along, just hidden under a few dead bodies...

Answer 5

Well what i do is not worry or let the WORLD consume me! it's to much for one person to handle.. hell i even gave up on my state... even my city! I focus on the good part! MY block of people and my connections! They are happy and positive yeah that world thing sucks but why should i let one role of my life bring me down in my home life! my work role is good my role as a lover is good so what what if my one role of helping the world get better isn't going the greatest right now!
it's all personal choice