Women’s college basketball has been a breath of fresh air in our mostly stable environment. Interest, attendance and tv viewers have all been soaring. Much of the growth is a function of excellent competition, players and coaching. In particular the game has included a number of star players who have excellence, excitement and great passion. The growth has also witnessed conflict, diversity, some racial debate and even a critique of a proposal from Jill Biden. The sport has also managed to turn the challenges into positives like acceptance of trash talking and passion.
Unfortunately, much of our world is more negative. World tensions and economic uncertainty create significant tension in our society. Crime, hate, and racism have created much apprehension. Lingering stress from the Pandemic and other uncertainty have made us worried and apprehensive. How do we get more positive?
Focus less on the negatives and more on the positives. The economy is doing alright. inflation is coming down. The pandemic is reducing. While world tensions are significant, we have few troops involved in foreign wars. Entertainment, travel and leisure are returning to prior levels There are about 9000 deaths and 11000 births per day in the U.S. Of the deaths over 80 % are over 65 years old. Why does it seem we focus on every death and ignore the births.
The pandemic witnessed significant economic hardship especially among the poor. However, they have achieved significant improvement recently which generally goes unnoticed. For example, the unemployment rate for Blacks has been about double that of whites for years and between 10% and 20 % during the pandemic. It has gone down significantly faster than the white rate. Since the pandemic it about 5 % compared to 3.5 % for the total population or only 30 % higher. This is a dramatic accomplishment if it is maintained.
Enhance relationships. We need to continue to rebuild relationships that have diminished since the Pandemic. Contact and relate to relatives’ friends and neighbors. Pay attention to events like birthdays, anniversaries and people’s health
Exercise and eat better. Little changes like even a short walk every day can improve your health.
Try something new. Cook a new meal, take a day off, go on vacation, go on an outing attend a sporting or entertainment event
Do something nice. Support, give compliments, say please and thank you, help people and just try to be more friendly rather than gruff. Giving money or time to charity can help significantly. Enjoy your family.
In summary just try to replace some of the negative surroundings with positive actions and thoughts
Related: Why Don’t We Care More