Thinking of Good

Awoke to pleasant thoughts of good people doing good things all over the world. Instinctively know this is the baseline of most people’s lives. That’s a good thing. A very good thing.

We hear much about bad people doing bad things. We read of horrible conditions others live in throughout the world and here at home, too. The yin and yang of life is constant. Much of it we have no control over. That is frustrating at times, sobering, too.

More reason to be grateful for the good in our lives.

I see good in many places. My entire life and career has centered on nonprofit organizations. I operated a few. I have served on boards of several. I have worked for others. Ultimately, I dedicated over 20 years consulting with them to improve their operations and success rate. These agencies focused on helping others, enriching their lives, and the communities in which they worked. Much positive to do and think about.

When I’m down in mood, I remember the people in my life who do good for others. So many examples of fruitful efforts for the benefit of others. Charity. Good works. Often ignored by many but the heart and soul of so many others.

The human race has much going for it. A lot not pleasant, to be sure. We are toughened by the bad but motivated, too; we are capable of much better. Odd to think that good comes from that. But it does.

The rescue of the 12 kids and their coach in the Thailand cave in recent weeks. A drama that attracted worldwide attention - because it was horror awaiting but safety inched forward; finally, success and all saved. A wonderful outcome. An outcome because others cared and did the right things.

Poverty is bad. Recognizing the suffering and helping relieve that is good. Same with crushing illness and helplessness. Others help relieve pain, suffering, and loss.

Life lived well is life shared and experienced together. With others. Not alone. A reminder that we are not islands, of despair or anything else. Triumphs are best lived with others. Loss as well. Scenic views beg to be shared with those around you. Even alone in such travels you look for someone near to share an ‘ahhh’.

In these times of disappointment and negative news, remember the good. Be grateful for it. And your ability to feel.

July 13, 2018