8 things you can do when you’re pretty sure the world is a shit place

The art of intentionally looking for proof that people are good and kind

I don’t know about you, but the world feels like it’s getting more terrifying every day. And as creatives, dreamers and world shakers, it’s hard to feel any hope at all.

It’s hard not to get sucked into a massive tunnel of doom and feel like the world is falling to pieces.

And we’re pretty susceptible to be sucked into that tunnel, as people who want to help and want to make the world a better place. From rolling news to social media, we get to know and to see so many negatively things every hour. And it takes its toll.

It’s all too easy to hear about the bad shit. It’s the bad news that sells, keeps us fearful and spending money.

And let’s face it, SO much good shit happens in the world that we don’t hear about.

So let’s start getting intentional.

And let's start seeking out the things that happen that don't make it to our radar.

Here are 8 things I recommend!

1. Find an alternative morning routine

If you’re anything like me, the temptation first thing in the morning is to reach for your phone. So my first suggestion is, don't check the news within the first hour of getting up in the morning. Instead, listen to some of your favourite music or a podcast.

2. Get intentional about you consume.

News wise: This one might feel a bit radical, but one thing that can really help is cut the news out altogether - I know, I know, I had conflicting views too - I share about them in a bit.  If you’re not ready to cut out the news completely, this TED Talk about slow journalism offers up some great and more compassionate alternatives for keeping yourself up to date without the panic. (I wrote a great list of 56 things you can do instead of watching the news here).

Social media wise: We don’t need any more negativity or rage baiting. Now’s the time to get really fucking selective about who you follow. It’s also helpful to get intentional about the platforms you use. For example, I’m starting to move away from things like Instagram and focusing more on Pinterest and Substack - because I come away from them feeling inspired, not depleted like I do with other platforms.

3. Take yourself on an artist’s date

Julia Cameron talks about filling the well and taking yourself on an artist’s date, and that can be exactly what we need when things are feeling tough. An artist’s date can be anything that peaks your curiosity, encourages play, and adds to your creativity! If you fancy an artist’s date but don’t know where to start, my Solo Adventures might be right up your street!

4. Listen to your favourite playlists instead of listening to the radio.

Similarly to TV news, I find listening to the radio can be really stressful and just makes me think we’re all going to hell in a hand basket, right this second. So much of this list is getting intentional about the things we DO have control over, so take back control over what you listen to. Discover new artists, follow the rabbit holes, and see what lights you up!

5. Seek out good news

So much good news doesn’t make it into the mainstream news because fear sells papers, which is bullshit. But, rant aside, some people are doing fabulous work collating and curating all the epic amazing shit that happens that we rarely find out about. Our brains have a built in negativity bias, so if everything we read is about awful things, we’re just confirming that negativity bias. So start getting informed about the amazing things happening. The Good Good Good is a great place to start, and will bring some joy to your inbox!

6. Do a Random Act of Kindness 

Never underestimate what a random and simple act of kindness can do. I know I’ve had my faith in humanity restored by the smallest of things, and chances are you have to. If you’re looking for inspiration, this site has you covered! People are generally good, so keep looking for helpers.

7. Watch things that feed your soul

I’m a sucker for a good documentary or TV series but I often find that what I tend to gravitate towards is not that…cheery! Now might be a great time to go back to old favourites, rely on the comfort of old familiars or go back to characters that restore your faith in humanity!

8. Pick up a book you’ve been meaning to read

I can’t be the only one who’s better at collecting books than reading one! One of the things we can do to stop us from always reaching from our phones is keep books dotted around, or activities we’ve wanted to do. So much of the time, we pick up our phones from pure convenience, so try switching up what’s convenient!

Actively seeking the good stuff isn’t about putting your fingers in your ear and living in blissful ignorance.

(Though it is pretty tempting at times!).

It’s about prioritising your mental health and knowing that just seeing the bad shit all the time isn’t going to help.

You need to be responsible to yourself as well. Your dreams of making a difference, of having a wholehearted life and being a force of good aren’t going to happen if you surround yourself with the bad stuff all the time.

I know it’s hard to believe right now, but on the whole, people are kind, people care, and people are wonderful.

Don’t miss an opportunity to tell someone what they mean to you.

And cherish the things that make you feel good and surround yourself with as much self kindness as you can.

Don’t give up on the world – instead, look for the good stuff and hold onto it as tight as you can.