Winter's almost over, Spring is on the way and 2024 is going to be a very good year!
How can I be so optimistic? Surely, the world has gone to hell in a handcart and we’re all doomed? Watch the news! Let the early morning bulletin put a knot in your stomach for the whole day!
Err. No. Thanks.
Not going to lie, to be positive in a world which has a bountiful supply of horrific stories does require a bit of effort. Bad news pulsing around the 24 hour news cycle is easier and more plentiful to consume than trans fat and refined carbs, but nearly all of us are swallowing some. We know we shouldn’t count the death toll or look at the interest rates. It’s not doing our hearts any good, but we can’t seem to stop. So what do we do? Accept what is? Keep sucking it up? Never!
Make no mistake, I’m a realist, but these days I’m seeking a balanced view. I also want to hear about the things that don’t make the front page, but could change lives for the better and I’m not the only one craving a bit of perspective. Have you noticed the number of outlets like Positive News, Future Crunch or even the Uplifting Stories section on the BBC website? Stories of hope, remarkable progress and innovation? Get yourself hooked up. They’re a window to a whole new world and you’ll think you’re in Wonderland.
For example, did you know:
- A ‘landmark’ climate deal at Cop 28 has been made to transition away from fossil fuels?
- A new world bank programme is aiming to bring clean energy access to 100 million people in up to 20 countries across eastern and southern Africa over the next seven years.
- Nepal has registered its first same-sex marriage, five months after its Supreme Court issued an interim order allowing same-sex couples to register their marriages.
Closer to home, I want to celebrate some of the brilliant things our clients have done.
The GSK IMPACT Awards, in partnership with The King’s Fund, is an annual programme that recognises and rewards charities in the UK doing outstanding work in their local communities to improve the health and wellbeing of vulnerable or marginalised people. We’re just about to start filming with the 2024 winners and every year it’s an absolute privilege.
This year, Red Bull are set to open an Education Centre at the Red Bull Technology Campus in Milton Keynes to inspire a new demographic and younger generation of students into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
The Jinja Educational Trust (JET) a brilliant charity in Uganda has completely redeveloped their flagship school Twinkle and now offers day and boarding facilities to nearly 700 children.
As storytellers we know the power of stories and why those of inspiration and hope are just as important as those that dwell in despair. They’re important on social media, important on the telly, important in your head.
I challenge you to rebel against the skewed, biased, sensationalist doom scroll at your fingertips and seek out the good stuff that’s harder to find. Then, fuelled with the courage of many unsung, remarkable humans who are actually making a positive difference in the world, say to anyone you like the look of “I heard a bit of good news today.”
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