As humans, we can be quite cynical. Sometimes we just need to pause and observe all the good things happening in the world today. The world can be a scary place and feel overwhelmed with bad news and horrible things going on in our community, but when you take a step back to admire all the details, it can make the bad things less overwhelming. Although it can be quick and difficult, there is tons of information here that is surely to brighten your day. 

Locally

Several people The Blue and White interviewed to mentioned their positive experiences today in volunteer work and other things they’ve noticed around our community. Senior Nathan Mitchell mentioned, “For the past few months, I’ve been volunteering with a local Horse Rescue called The Scotty Foundation, they take in horses that have been neglected/abused and give them a new chance at life. When I’m there I usually help clean, groom horses, and feed them.” Other students put in the effort to volunteer as well, Junior Beyonce Castro vocalized “Ive been participating in community service since freshman year, I’ve been with Hope Community Center. I help in numerous things such as their yard sales, protest for immigrant rights and lgbtq rights as well as their middle school art program and summer kids camp.” All these students are taking time out of their lives to help better our community, working hard to benefit everyone. 

Some teachers have noticed the effort and kindness being spread by students. Mrs. Brown brought up what she sees in debate, “I see all these kids on their weekends, not getting paid. They hope to win some awards, but they’re coming out on a Saturday. You hear all these negatives mostly among older people about the generation today. Well, I don’t see it, Because I’m looking at all these very professional kids. They’ve worked prepping speeches or prepping debates. They’re all interacting and engaging with each other and spending their Saturdays doing that. They care a whole lot about what’s going on in the world. That is not all, so many people go out of their way to spread kindness in the community, and all of them feel as though they are making a difference, pushing positivity, and making an impact on our community.” 

Statewide 

In Florida, there have been many positive things happening. While we deal with a lot of shifting weather, this truly shows we are the Sunshine State. It is important to remember to embrace all the positives happening in Florida even if life feels gloomy. As a community we are getting stronger and persevering through these tough times, one hurricane-proof house to another.

• A new high record in Florida, Manatees were found through the lagoon. Blue Springs State Park found the number increased, 932 manatees in the area, nearly 200 more than their previous record of 736 that was counted on New Year’s Day this year.
• These cute little Florida townhomes are tougher than they look. While they may be as green as a budding daffodil, they have a backbone like reinforced concrete. Pearl Homes, they shook off both Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Idalia,
• Blind Jazz Sax Teacher Inspires Students to feel’ Their Instruments-Uses His ‘Disability’ as Teaching Tool

Nationally 

In our country, especially with the voting season coming up, politics can be quite negative and overwhelming. A further breakdown shows discoveries and medicine that save lives, as well as smaller victories where people celebrate accomplishments. America can be a split country but when it comes to positive actions, we all come together.

• Bowhead whales can repair their DNA, and in doing so, increase their cancer resistance
• FDA Approves New Drug For A Timeless Illness-Frostbite-to Save Fingers and Toes from Amputation It’s not a cure for ALS or cancer, but the pharmacists who just developed a “game-changer” treatment for frostbite deserve plenty of congratulations nonetheless.
• Animal shelter celebrates after all pets adopted for the first time in nearly 50 years
• New brain implants gave a voice to people who cannot speak. The idea is to measure the brain’s electrical signals and use an AI capable of distinguishing the patterns associated with each phoneme.
• HIV drugs have prevented 21 million deaths since 1996. The number of deaths has been reduced by a third.

Globally 

Around the world, some mind-blowing things are going on. From new species discovery to the discovery of species thought to be extinct. People are fighting to push our world to a brighter, happier place, something we all should be doing. If kindness and joy can be spread from all over the world. Who knows maybe kind actions are happening in another galaxy. Here are the ones happening on our planet.

• A deep-sea expedition off the coast of Chile has uncovered a treasure trove of scientific wonders, including more than 100 previously unknown marine species and a handful of never-before-seen underwater mountains
• ‘Miracle plant’ thought to have been eaten into extinction, possibly rediscovered, silphium, a plant beloved by the Greeks and Romans so much it was on their currency, as well as the seed pods morphing into what we today think of as heart shape.
• Portland County Transcends its housing Goals With a 65% Drop in Homelessness
• People from an ancient community in what is now northern Italy were buried with animals such as dogs and horses. The reasons remain mysterious but might indicate an enduring companion relationship between these men and women with their animals.
• Lives are getting longer again. After a hiatus due to the pandemic, global life expectancy grew again in 2023: Today it is 73 years, up to 12 years more than in 1980.
• More people believe their city is a “good place” for gay or lesbian people to live. In 2005, only 20% of the world’s population thought that and now it is 50%. For example, in Mexico, the figure has risen from 39% to 64%.

When the world feels overwhelmed with hate and negativity, make sure to notice the positives that could be happening all around you. You are not alone, one kind action can make someone’s day. Make sure to be kind and spread positivity.