(Artwork by Randy Bish)
You may have noticed that I often start my day online with a positive, motivational quote.
So what does that have to do with social media? Why post quotes if they’re not directly about social media?
Well, the first (and far less important) answer to that question is a business who ONLY posts about their business shows no personality, and that frankly becomes boring!
But the REAL answer is this:
I want to do whatever I can to bring some positivity to this world each and every day!
That’s it. That’s the answer.
The horrible tragedy this week at the Boston marathon was a sobering reminder of the evil that exists in the world. And the violence continued throughout the night last night and early this morning with more explosions, gunfire, and the fatal shooting of an MIT police officer.
Throughout this week, both the news media and social media have been flooded with bloody images and heartbreaking stories. And though the news this week has been especially brutal, there is always negativity out there. It may be in the form of another news story, online bullying, or even something as simple as a friend with chronically negative status updates and tweets.
With so much out there, it’s easy to fall into this trap. But remember – for every one shooter, there are hundreds of heroes. For every bully, there are multitudes of friends. And though we will all have our bad days, there will always be people surrounding us to make it better.
So each morning, I make the choice to do my small part by posting one positive and motivational quote on my social media profiles. It may be the tiniest gesture, but I truly believe we all have a responsibility to make this world a better place, and this is one simple way I can do just that.
So… let’s make a change! What actions can YOU take today to spread positivity?
SOUND OFF in the comments below!
HI Brian –
THanks for posting this. Myself? I posted an article about how people were helping each other. And I called my friend in Boston to see if she was OK. Felt good. We had a great talk.
Christina
Both great ideas, Christina! I especially love that you took a moment to call your friend in Boston. It only takes a few minutes to brighten someone’s day by letting them know you care.
Well said, Brian – and here’s a quote that I’d like to add:
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” – Martin Luther King Jr., “Strength to Love”, 1963
I LOVE that quote, Bernie! Thanks so much for sharing it here!
I think I’ll go pick some flowers and hand them out!!!! How’s that?
Yes! Wonderful idea!
Shall I let you know where I am so I can get my flowers? 😉
It’s very hard to watch the news, any day, and not get angry or frustrated at something. I go on line to find an uplifting quote, and either post it on my Facebook page, or, if appropriate, to one of the pages dedicated to stop bullying. I’m hoping someone will read it and be better able to muddle through “the every day.” ….Thank you, Brian, for posting this, and, many thanks to Randy Bish for another heartwarming cartoon amid the terrible recent events.
Thanks Marge! I love how you post something with the intention of it brightening a stranger’s day. So great!
And yes, thanks to my talented brother Randy Bish for this touching cartoon.
I didn’t even notice that was your brother’s cartoon when I first saw it a few days ago – I just liked it.
Great read today. I asked my FB friends to stop sharing the photo of the youngest bombing victim with one of the suspects in back of him just before the bomb went off. Senseless to do so and it just stresses people out.
Thanks Lisa! My brother got lots of feedback on that cartoon as George Takei posted it on Facebook.
And I completely agree with you about asking people to stop sharing that photo. I’m one that shares almost everything online, but there always should be a level of sensitivity for the families in a tragedy. I love that your way of sharing positivity is directly asking for an end to a negative action! Wonderful!
Negativity is for the lazy and unfortunately it is even more contagious than positivity. I wish I could say I was alway above it, but it takes work. I applaud all your positive efforts Brian. You really walk the talk.
Thanks so much, Matt! I really appreciate your kind words.
I think all of us fall into the trap from time to time, but it’s worth the work to stay on the positive side. Thanks again!