by Rod Harvey, Gold Coast, Australia

When I read newspapers, peruse social media, listen to radio and watch television, it’s quite easy to assume that there is not much right with our world.

Each week I see stories about violence, obesity, starvation, poverty, greed, illness, disease, bullying, gossip, complaining and so on. While it’s important to be informed about what is going on (however unsavoury), I cannot help but think that as media continues to focus on the sensational to make money, we receive an unbalanced perspective.

Because we are inundated with negativity, our viewpoint of the world and people may become impaired and our focus shifts to underlying pessimism, or even despair.

But there’s something that doesn’t gel here, because overall, the world that I see and the majority of people in it are awesome. There is so much to be inspired about.

Technology has given us the opportunity to instantly connect with people around the globe and bring us closer together. It appears to me that we’re all very much the same, but what can divide us are different opinions, particularly those about religion, beliefs, nationality, allegiances and what should be done to fix the world.

Yet because another has a different opinion, that does not make them any lesser or any greater. Their opinion is equally as valid as mine, no matter how far removed our points of view are. Provided there is no harm done physically, emotionally or psychologically, we can work through our differences.

We have built up our own protective barriers and shields, but deep down our essence is love. By taking time out to quietly feel that love within, we can then look into another’s eyes with openness and truly connect.

I believe it’s necessary to speak up and expose injustices. At the same time, I feel it’s also essential for me to be alert and not miss out on the incredible opportunities that are presented to me daily (that I was previously insensitive to) which reinforce the marvels of our world and the ‘wonderfulness’ of people.

Rather than hold out for an intangible ideal of hope somewhere in the future, I say: “Why not take a fresh look at life right now?” There is so much that is right in this world. Let’s call it, tell it, show it, celebrate it and be part of it.

We may be pleasantly surprised at what we discover…