Have Faith in Mankind

Sometimes it seems like the world is a dark place. That there are more "bad" people than "good" people. And while horrible things do happen, I like to think that for every cruel or selfish act, there are at least ten times as many kind and selfless acts. It can be hard to believe this with all of the scary news we are constantly bombarded with. Which is why news specials like "CNN Heroes-Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact" reinforce that there are good people in our world, and to have faith in mankind. Watch or read the stories of these "Heroes" and know that they are only a fraction of the amazing people in this world and the good that they do. Go to CNN Heroes to read more.

Having faith in mankind will lift your spirits and inspire you to be a better person. You don't need to be nominated as a CNN Hero to have a positive impact. Whether you volunteer your time or teach your children to be good people, or simply hold the door open for someone with a heavy load, you are making a difference.


"Our planet is filled with heroes, young and old, rich and poor, man, woman of different colors, shapes and sizes. We are one great tapestry. Each person has a hidden hero within, you just have to look inside you and search it in your heart, and be the hero to the next one in need," Efren Peñaflorida, CNN 2009 Hero of the Year. (Photo courtesy of AsianJournal.com)

And that's your daily good thing.

Be Part of It!

Be a part of something! Get involved in a community, workplace or school activity or event. It is a really great feeling to feel like you are a part of something. I recently entered a photo contest and it was a great experience. I didn't win anything, but that wasn't why I participated. I just wanted to be a part of it. I enjoyed the whole process from choosing the photos I was going to submit, to learning how to mount them, and seeing my work on display next to some really great photographs. There was a opening reception for all the photographers to meet and see each others work, and it was so fun to meet other people interested in photography and to see their work and ask them questions. It made me feel more connected to my community in general, and I now feel like I am a part of the photography community which is great.

So, whether it is a book club or a cookie competition or a lip sync contest, be a part of it. You will interact with people that have similar interests to you and you will feel like a part of a community.

And that's your daily good thing!

At the opening reception.

Pretty excited that my photographs are in a real art gallery.