I am a consistent reader of the CNN daily Good Morning News review titled “5 Things”. The new year brought a special edition offering some wisdom for the coming year. The news is overwhelming and 2020 will be more of the same. Elections, impeachment, climate change, the largest federal budget deficits adding to the legacy national debt gift to our children, international turmoil, culture wars, immigration, a very real and newly frightening leadership void, alternative facts, conspiracy theories…that probably makes the point. The author, A.J. Willingham, talks about ways to make sure you are accurately informed and avoid feeling hopeless after a hard days news. He suggests we can all make a difference, and have the power to be a force of change. Voting is a good start, volunteering, educating yourself about issues and empowering others to speak out are worth considering. There is a long list of things each of us could begin that would make a difference. Do not shy away from difficult conversations, talk to your kids about today’s issues, take time to recharge, and finally be the bearer of good news.
It is good news and positive that the 116th U.S. Congress is the most diverse in our history. More countries are banning single use plastics, humpback whales recovered from near extinction in the South Atlantic, and scientists may be able to spot Alzheimer’s 16 years before symptoms begin. We saw the first ever photo of a black hole. NASA completed its first all-female astronaut spacewalk. Aretha Franklin became the first woman to win a Pulitzer special award and citation. Sesame Street announces a new show to help refugee children. So many positive outcomes it is uplifting to dwell on them.
The special edition concludes with a 1978 Andrew Gold song video titled “Thank you for being a Friend”. It is a fine reminder of what is important to us each day “your heart is true, you’re a pal and a confidant…and when we both get older-with walking canes and hair of gray- have no fear even though it’s hard to hear-I will stand here close and say”- you provide the chorus since you are now getting involved.
Happy New Year. Mike