2011 is coming to an end, and for some, not a moment too soon. You might question my sanity with the post title 2011, the good news. There were politicians, businessmen, and celebrities who behaved badly. Earthquakes, tsunamis, and tornadoes that killed and destroyed. Economies of many nations hover on the brink of collapse. There were heroes who struggled to save, to take a stand, and who perished in that fight. Even on a personal level, I had many challenges that took huge chunks of time to process and overcome.
Many people, particularly the news media, look for the shocking, the tragic or the disheartening stories from the past year. They seem to revel in the ugliness of behaviors and events.
Not me. I am a glass-half-full kind of gal. It’s that attitude, that expectation that helps me see the huge range of good that happens. Despite all the economic downfalls, natural disasters and humans behaving badly, things were not as bad as they seemed. There were stories of heroes across the world and in the US, stories of advances in science and health, and of course, changes in the world of publishing, too.
Heroes
In Egypt Thousands of Muslims for a Human Shield for Coptics.
In UTAH strangers ignored the danger to themselves and saved a man trapped beneath a burning car.
Wildlife rangers protect animals in the Congo at great risk to themselves.
CNN’s search for heroes found some amazing people. And the hero of the year is helping women and newborns in Indonesia.
This video is long at 19 minutes, but it is an amazing story of how Alberto Cairo found humanity and dignity in the midst of war in Afghanistan. He calls his talk There Are No Scraps of Men.
It started with One Person in Michigan and spread around the country. Secret Santas pay off layaways. Thanks to Janelle Madigan for this story.
Science
There are amazing advances in science from better hip replacement devices, to plasma brushes that promise painless dental work, to solar energy systems in North Africa that will provide clean power for the region and Europe here.
Health
How about this amazing piece? New Leukemia Treatment Exceeds Expectations.
Book News
Now, who says fantasy authors don’t get no respect? Author of the Year.
Just think what this means for ebook sales!
As The Year Closes
I count 2011 as a huge success. You will find my list of accomplishments here. I’ll share my goals for 2012 in another post. I hope to exceed those goals.
I don’t pretend to know what 2012 will bring, not on a personal level, a professional level, a national level, or a worldwide level. There will be bad things that happen in 2012. That’s the way of the world. But I know there will be good things that happen, too. That’s the way of humanity. We’re a mixed bag of good, mediocre, and bad. You have to be wary of the bad, but don’t be so on guard that you miss the good.
So on this eve of the New Year’s Eve, my wish for friends, family, and yes, even foe is that you make the effort to see the good despite whatever happens because attitude and expectations can lead from good to great.
What about you? Do you look for the good? What was your 2011, the good news? Won’t you share those stories with us?
What an upper! Thanks for sharing!
You are so welcome! It’s always wonderful to have you stop by. Have a Happy New Year!
Such a wonderful perspective, Lynette!
I am working on trying to see the positive in things rather than focus on the negative. One thing I’ve learned through my depression (there really is a silver lining!) is that when you look for bad things, you’ll find them – over and over and over again. But when you start seeing the positive forces around you and focusing on all the good stuff that has happened, then the world seems more bright and more encouraging. Its easier to keep your chin up and forge through those dark times when you know that good things happen too!
Thanks for sharing and reminding me to see the positive in life!
Jennifer
You are so right, Jennifer! There is usually a silver lining in almost everything. Focusing on the positive takes an effort sometimes, but it does make the world brighter.
You are amazingly brave to share your journey through depression with the rest of us! I admire your courage and your willingness to change.
Thanks for stopping by, I really appreciate your comments.
Thanks for the positive look back. I, too, get fed up with all the negativity from the media. It’s time we look for the good. Nice list.
You are welcome, Emma. Thanks for visiting.
I learned a long time ago that life gives me what I expect to get. so expect the good and that’s what comes. My heart breaks for some of the global tragedies that have happened, but I can’t live there. I need to be clear on what I can affect or change and do that.
anything else leaves me overwhelmed, depressed and anxious. thanks for a great reminder.
You get what you expect. Isn’t that the truth? And being clear on what you can affect or change is an essential ability. Thanks, Louise for those comments. Happy New Year!
Love this post, Lynette! I’m definitely a glass-half-full person as well. There’s always more goodness and love than evil and harm in the world… I truly believe that.
A good tid bit I learned recently: The marriage and divorce rates have both gone down — great news, seeing as people are now marrying for love and companionship than ever before. Have the best New Year!
Thanks, August. I had seen the reports that the marriage rates had gone down, not that divorce rates also had gone down. That IS good news!
Happy New Year, to you, too!
Amazing article, I truly wait for messages of your stuff.