Filtering For Good

I always admire the stories of people who persevere over their life hurdles, especially when you hear about how much they were able to overcome. These stories help inspire me to believing that there are many examples of the good that is still part of our world today.  It is one of the reasons for which I am selective of news on television, as we are inundated with so many stories that incite fear and are tied to oppresive circumstances.  Personally, I like to make time to hear the good news story that is usually buried at the end of a newscast.  On ABC television news, I enjoy their Friday segment that picks the person of the week.  When I get to this segment at the end of the broadcast, I find that whomever they end up selecting is worthy of the praise and recognition, as they tell the story of somebody that has had a great positive impact on others.  We live in a world these days where good news is not typical at the forefront of our media and information outlets.  Although I do enjoy websites that are tailored to highlight these type of stories, I find it disappointing at times when I think about the fact that a website had to be created in order to be able have a mechanism for things of a positive nature to materialize.  Filtering has played a large part in my adult life as I am very purposeful in what I want to receive and view, while not being a bystanding witness to news stories that are mired in negativity.  For example, if you happen to glance at most reality television that exists today, there are far too many instances of how sensationalized the poor actions of others are now taking center stage.  I simply change channels and record only those things that I would rather spend some time on, rather than have to listen to even a commercial about some of these shows.  The internet also offers its shares of web based episodes that also cater to their unique audiences in their unique environment.  I know that we are only going to be diving deeper into some of these media sources in the future, as technology continues to evolve and creations such as the new Apple watch continue to change how people receive information.  I have to remind myself about my ability as a consumer to be able to dictate what it is that I find worthy and I am hopeful that others realize their buying power as well.  It is only when the power of the consumer speaks that the world bends to accommodate their needs.  Conversely, I also am grateful that the web has allowed for the creation of virtual communities that bring together like minded people who share similar values.  While the rest of the world spins into a frenzy of wanting to figure out what the next hot commodity will be, I am comforted by the fact that some things still remain.  In particular, the need to be able to tell a good story about something or someone that had a positive impact on others.  I will continue to challenge myself and others around me to look for the opportunities in our communities to be able to do good things for people and do so with humility along with a state of grace.  There are many positive stories around us that are waiting to be told and it is only through banding with other like minded individuals that we can strive to make those continued changes in order to arrive at a better place in the future.  The next time you are faced with a choice whether it is in person or a media outlet, make a calculated effort to filter only those things that come from a good place and help that energy multiply in your surroundings.