The days are getting longer, the plants are blooming, and the spring cleaning is well underway. But while it’s traditionally a time of year for hope and excitement, many of us are struggling with feelings of defeat and gloom. It’s unsurprising given the current global climate- but not unavoidable. With just a small change of perspective, we can claim back our optimism, effecting positive change in the world around us.

How Can We Stay Positive with The World as It Is?

The news channels and mass media bombard us with unrelenting tales of woe and misery. Global warming is so out of hand that it has been rebranded as Global Boiling by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The brutalities faced by people in Gaza; the war in Ukraine grinding on; populist leaders capitalising on people’s fears. Even on our doorsteps, the cost-of-living crisis is casting many into poverty and hardship, and councils seem powerless to help.  Homelessness is on the rise and wealth inequality only seems to increase.

Against a backdrop like this, it’s easy to see how so many of us are feeling powerless to help. As you know I’m a “glass-half-full optimist”, but can  often feel overwhelmed by the negativity of our press and media. Too insignificant; too small; too powerless to bring about meaningful change in the modern world.

Thinking as a lone individual trying to tackle these huge, global issues gets us nowhere- other than feeling pessimistic and disenfranchised. But there is a brighter, more productive approach we can take, and one that can have meaningful consequences too. Thinking individually and collectively about the impact we can have on the lives of those around us is key. If we do something to take action, making small but meaningful changes to our local communities, truly great things are achievable. And once you see the beneficial impact just one small person can make, optimism will naturally soar!

What Practical Steps Can We Take Towards Positive Change?

Being vigilant about the media we consume is a great place to start. While articles covering all that’s wrong in the world generate clicks, they can really serve to drag us down. Positive. News is one agency looking to change this; their weekly bulletin brings cheering coverage of what’s going right. Their lens on global stories of progress and success is both uplifting and empowering, with plenty of inspiration for a more optimistic outlook and ideas that could inspire us to take some action ourselves.

Looking to those around us for collaboration towards making change is another great place to start. There are already plenty of community groups in need of volunteers to help in many different arenas. Everything from befriending services and litter picking to working at food banks and gardening roles in green public spaces can make a positive change on a local level.

It’s often a challenge to identify and make connections with local community groups. Contacting parish councils and the local Citizens Advice Bureau can be a good place to start. Many local authorities also have specific resources for local community groups.

Why not ask a manager or employer for advice and support, or team up with a friend, colleague, or family member? By working together towards a common goal, you might be shocked by just how much impact you can make. Even if nothing tangible results, the boost to mood and sense of empowerment that you’ll feel may surprise you. And by networking with others who feel the same way about an issue, you’ll be even better placed to create useful change in the future!

And just in case we need evidence of the benefits of being kind and helping others, last year’s World Happiness Report showed that “virtuous & altruistic behaviour is proven to increase happiness – of the receiver AND giver, especially when this is voluntary and mainly motivated by concern for the people being helped”.

No matter how small, every move towards making positive change is a step in the right direction. And in my book, that is in itself is cause for optimism.