I'm not going to lie, I don't really enjoy life very often, but the line, "it's not all roses and butterflies, but there are roses and butterflies" made me feel an inkling of hope.
It's so refreshing to see stuff like this being covered by people who don't pretend to have all the answers. "Here's what I tried, and how it went for me" is so much more useful than "following my advice will change your life (and is it doesn't then you've failed in some way)". I appreciate you!
"by people who don't pretend to have all the answers" Yessss, so many youtubers nowadays throw out these high quality videos and it basically depictions about the end of the world but then you find out they're like 18 and have a team of interns or just don't provide any sources whatsoever
The question I started asking myself was, “is there a way to be mindful while reading awful news?” Once I started practicing (as much as anyone can) non judgement while reading/watching the news, my anxiety around the doom and gloom changed significantly.
One practice I did for my mental health was to do something similar with social media. I only scrolled through social media until I hit something toxic or triggering. It tricked the algorithm because it gave me less and less of those things because I was giving less and less attention to those things. I also added positive accounts (like Upworthy, The Dodo, and Some Good News). These two things have made my social media experience SO much better.
I came back just to thank you for this advice. It cleared all of the outrage content from my feed in a single day. I didn't realize it was this easy to trick the algorithm into doing what I want
Hey Craig, I love your videos! I have a news-viewing suggestion for you. Back story for context: After the 2016 election I was struggling with my mental health and noticed how detrimental it was for me to scroll headlines or listen to the news. I quit for a while but came to a similar conclusion as you, that I felt pretty disconnected from the social narrative. I played around with different limiters: time-limiting my access to news, only checking the news in the evening, which worked pretty well to help my day-to-day optimism and motivation since I wasn't rinsing my brain with despair every morning. Around 2020 I settled on a strategy which has worked really well for me through the pandemic: I heavily prioritize reading local news. I find my local papers to have a great mix of feel-good stories, local discussions, issues, and perspectives. Because the scope of these articles is more granular and hyper-local, I feel less distress and instead feel more connected to my community. When there's a big issue going on locally, I have the ability to do something about it and can have a real impact. I have also become a font of knowledge for my friends and family about what is going on in our local community, which feels good! I hope you give it a try! Anyhow thank you for coming to my Ted Talk. 😊 Keep up all the great work becoming the best You that you can be!
Thanks for sharing! I absolutely love this. Recently I've just stopped paying attention to the news because I am so overwhelmed with my own life right now. I really can't take anything else in. I was watching SNL and I turned to my husband and ask if that really happened and he laughed because I'm so out of touch right now. But honestly I don't care. I need to take care of me first, then I can read the news again.
You're so right about the local new approach. I'm in Manchester, UK, and there's a fantastic local news outlet (with free and paid subscription tiers so it's accessible) that emails me 3-4 times a week. Really well-researched independent journalism on local issues where they've take the time to analyse a story from all angles and contact lots of relevant local figures about it. A couple of their stories take months of research and even data analysis, collaborating with Manchester University, for really complicated issues like "why is the homelessness crisis so much worse in Manchester than other cities?". Never a clickbait-y "here are some hot takes from Twitter". I hope that there's similar stuff out there for folks in other cities.
I live in Singapore and it’s so small that the country news is like local news. We get the same mix of otter spotting, government initiatives, science stuff plus the odd sex case and fights by the bars. This year we had the drugged up chap with the long sword tackled to the ground by a chap coming out of the supermarket using his groceries as a shield. It’s a much more rounded view of life.
HuffPost do a good news page too. I don't like them because they are so biased (even though their bias basically matches mine, it still drives me crazy to notice it and notice how they don't try to mitigate it), but the good news page is good enough So much of the "good news" is just " a nice thing happened to one guy". I'd like to see more community focused good news like stuff about the non-profits who do lots of good work. They could still do it on a personal level like "a day in the life of an ex-homeless person who now volunteers helping homeless people" I've met so many people who dedicate their lives to helping others and all we ever hear about are the people who *pretended* to be like that so they could make money.. but I've met so many of the genuine article, those people are everywhere making a difference every day
@@therabbithat Omg, first I was about to be excited that you're a kindred spirit in the camp of "just because your biases align with my values doesn't mean I'm okay with you being biased" (it so often feels like there are so few of us willing to make that kind of criticism!) ... BUT THEN I got all distracted by feeling so seen & appreciated due to your choice of example, because I'm an unhoused person working on ways to work & volunteer with helping my homeless peers! Yes, thank you so so much, we are many & we're out here doing our best 😆 Sheesh what a lovely comment-reading-experience that was, made my day, tysm
*I cut out all news years ago. My mental health is infinitely better. 99.99999% of the world's problems don't involve me and can't be helped by me. You have to let go.*
Same here! Whatever happens, happens not like I can't change it. So why worry about it. Sure maybe keep up to date on some things to remain cautious. All I need is whether or not ill be needing an umbrella or a coat to leave the house.
That’s really what it about: letting go. We’ve been deluded into thinking that consuming news (which is manufactured to be addictive) matters; into think that observing bad things is some form of diligence. But at a certain point you have to realize “that war is awful but I don’t have a rocket launcher.”
My reaction to this has always been to worry about people's engagement in political issues, so I'll ask you about this! Do you feel like ypu become a less well-informed voter when you're less aware of what's going on? Do you feel like you're not aware of some things you could be contributing to the solution for (by protesting, volunteering, donating, even debating with other people who vote)? This is sort of the missing piece of the puzzle for this mindset for me
My news intake has gotten a lot more positive since I started focusing mainly in my local news. It includes stuff about local events, or people doing good in my community, or stories from local people who've overcome tragedy, and it's really good. And it also includes bad things, but it's a lot more balanced.
Me and my family watch our local news everyday after school/work. It brings a bit of levity to the otherwise doom and gloom of national and international stories.
I've been consuming only positive news for two years. It eliminates a lot of unnecessary stress and helps me to feel more hopeful about the future of humanity and my place in the world. And guess what: if the mainstream news is really important, it will find its way into your awareness. People will be talking about it; you'll hear about it from acquaintances or in some other media that you consume. We're not obligated to seek out the bad news we want to hear. Good news takes a little effort, but you will be rewarded instead of disheartened.
Good for you man! I stopped following mass media altogether on all my socials, subscriptions, and emails (I don't have TV or NPR) about 10 years ago. I've never looked back and my daily life is more positive. My creative thinking and questions about current events have also changed. I'm not being "fed" triggering words that are meant to arouse anger and rage. I can think about things critically and do my own research. Like you said many times, I'm not ignoring current issues worldwide. What I do is check in weekly on events and do my own research on topics that I want to dive into. It's more selective and relevant rather than crafted by all and any mass media company.
I heard someone on some thing recently call social media administrators & people running related media businesses "inflammation entrepreneurs". Such an apt term. Monetizing getting people upset so they bug each other more than they should ... Ugh. Anyway I'd semi-forgotten the phrase, but you mentioning being fed triggering words reminded me of it, thanks lol! And high-fives, right there with you, ditched pretty much all use of social & video media sources besides youtube a good while back, & it's been amazing. It was weird for a while how much compulsion I felt to go read or argue in a comments section at times when listening to podcasts or books or otherwise engaging with stuff that doesn't have friggin' social aspects lol, but thankfully I seem to have mostly gotten over that. Except on youtube 😂 ah well, progress is progress, & having almost zero ads in my life is T H E B E S T .
My Neighbor Totoro is a good example of a story with almost zero conflict that holds your attention throughout and will always be timeless. Stories like this exist, but you don't see them too often in American culture. We definitely need more stories and films like these. 🥰
I would say that it has conflict: the mother's illness. It looms over the whole movie and is what makes the sisters fight and it gets resolved at the end.
@@H21058 That's why I said almost zero conflict. It's not the main part of the story, and the conflict is resolved almost immediately after it started. It's very refreshing to watch, especially when you're feeling down. ❤️
Wait, maybe you are confused, or I just disagree, the little sister runs away and for a little while it's hinted that she drowns in a rice paddy, we don't know how bad their mom's disease really is throughout the movie. Those are high stakes, though the beginning is quite a feel good story, no grave of the fireflies T.T.
Your point about "searching for resolution" is something I hadn't considered before, and it makes a lot of sense. As for a pessimistic jaded person like myself, I'm so conditioned to expect bad news that when I see positivity in any form, it utterly breaks me. Seeing that wedding footage might have choked me up a bit. Thanks once again, Life Coach Craig.
I got rid of TV a dozen years ago, no newspaper, no social media except RUclips and the only thing I watch on RUclips are art tutorials and your channel ! ! ! And the world turns without me making myself sick over it.
Building on your focus in finding more positivity, I want to focus on my goal of contributing more positivity. Long time listener, first time caller. I've been enjoying your videos for a while now, but i've never felt compelled to comment. But for whatever it's worth to you sir; I just want to say I love the new format of your videos! I don't know what prompted the shift, but the more unique style of your intros and the format of the videos themselves feel a lot more intimate and compelling. I find myself more focused on your videos because there's little flashes of your personal life, and i find myself more invested because of it. For someone that is so focused on their growth and development, it shouldn't be surprising to say how much growth and development i've seen from you over the year, but from one stranger to another, it's been really fun to watch. Thank you for the quality content, sir! Looking forward to the new year!
What a wholesome lovely comment. Heads up in case you don't know: Don't edit it now, because the Wheezy heartification will go away if you do. :P Also, heads up in case you don't know: You got a Wheezy heartification 😁 as such a lovely comment should!
I find a lot of "infotainment" channels on RUclips can be a source of good news that also feels real and keeps you in touch with what's happening in the world. The channel that comes to mind for me is "Two Minute Papers", and Professor Károly Zsolnai-Fehér always strikes me as such an optimistic presenter for his content, and that optimism is contagious: "What a time to be alive!"
I wonder at times if we are exposed to far more news than we can handle. I don’t think we were made to know every little thing that happens in the world and there is so much information now that we can be bombarded.
Local news! Local paper, public radio, slow old fashioned journalism! It's not the frenzy of social media but it will keep you informed without being overly sensational. It keeps you more in touch with the stuff going on in your area, and less about big political/world/society level problems that it feels like you can't do anything about but stress you out anyway. You mentioned wanting that "conclusion" or "resolution" and I definitely feel like I get more of that when I'm reading actual journalism that has time to analyze and understand the thing they're reporting on.
Hey Craig I highly recommend your local newspaper or alternative magazine (the kind that’s free at the grocery store/ coffee shop). Though there is still crime, there’s more relatable good news - local businesses opening, high school sports teams winning against rivals, and I find more resolution-stories in my local papers than anywhere else. And I love a community calendar, that feels like good news too. Thanks for the video!
I read the odd New Scientist magazine and listen to This Week weekly news. I think news that focuses on the last few days gets toxic quick, but in-depth focus on problems and solutions that comes from weekly or fortnightly sources really helps me understand what's going on. Also, choosing a sideways or different perspective like the science one is helpful. You could pick up a philosophy magazine another week or a political one the next, and everything has news in it but instead of being just news, it's the context if that makes sense. More context and understanding means more of a sense of control and real involvement and thus more positive feelings.
I have this wierd high from good news that I've heard in my personal life, and well this good news video. I am definitely aware of other things going on in the world, but this moment of appreciation for things that are good is a happy feeling and I like it. Oh and the newlyweds at the end just gave me a beaming smile. Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Crabtree
Two things: First you're so right about us seeking conflict, which is why these good news stories are boring. What they need is some conflict! After all, we don't think stories that have happy endings are automatically boring. SO they need to be written with more suspense in the title and throughout, with more focus on the challenges and conflict they had along the way. Then, end good. Secondly, I have been not reading regular news for a year now, and I love it. It does not mean I'm uninformed, because I'm just hearing news the same way people always used to: word of mouth! The people around me tell me things that are happening when that person finds them interesting or distressing, and if I'm interested I go and research it. I think your issue may be the doomscrolling and constantly seeking it, rather than needing to hear only good news when you do seek it. Another great video
As someone who sends out a weekly newsletter filled with good news, this is super validating to know that sending out my newsletter is the right thing to do!! Thanks for this Craig!
I think another bad thing with reading all the horrible news (particularly on sites like reddit) is that there is always the peanut gallery of negativity to contend with. It just gets so exhausting.
I am a natural optimist and I also find seeing bad news can be very emotionally draining. I’m very easily moved by loss and suffering and feel a lot of empathy for people going through bad times. I do seek out good news but I also curate my social media to follow people who are change makers, people who rescue animals, political activists, organisations that are educating, feeding and providing safety for people. Knowing that not only are people trying to enact positive change but that I can also support that through sharing their message or donating etc makes the bad news seem less unmanageable. Edit: There are so many great suggestions in the comments for how to consume news that I’m going to try as well. The common theme seems to be when we feel like we can make an impact and help effect change it makes bad news less overwhelming and hopeless.
For countries that don't get snow, thank you so much for sharing! and you absolutely identified why 'newstertainment' works so well to keep us tagging along! Loved the vid. Thanks so much. Congratulations to Chyna's Grandpa and his new wife. So sweet!
Congrats to Chyna’s grandpa! And Yay seeing your dad! A wheezy video with his parents is my favorite video! It doesn’t matter which one. I just may be their biggest fan! I wanted to also say, when it comes to news, I don’t watch it or read it at all. I find out what is important by word of mouth or general social media scrolling. I have never missed a clock set back or a solar/lunar event. Facebook is good for tipping you off on what you need to know (Why IS that helicopter circling?!) and which celebrities died type thing. Lack of news has been so good for my mental health. Say hi to your folks and let them know they are loved!
THANK YOU for this video! I’m so over the doom scrolling and negativity people do. It carries into their lives and makes it difficult to navigate them.
I stopped watching the news a few years ago. Best decision ever. And when there is something/ some news I wanna know more about the internet is always there.
My approach is: 1 don't get news unexpectedly and immediately - no headlines just because you've got the radio on, no filter feeding via twitter (I don't have twitter) 2 my news sources are podcasts which are either funny or in-depth - for me, I use The News Quiz, More or Less and Inside Science. I find this easier to listen to because it's not just HERE ARE A BIG LIST OF THINGS YOU CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT, it comes with criticism and a sense of perspective and, for the funny ones, often a sense of solidarity. 3 I also recently subbed to the Future Crunch newsletter, to balance out the negatives with the positives. 4 I love the local news idea that a couple of people in these comments have suggested. My local community has a quarterly newsletter and I think I'll look into a slightly more regular local news source too. Thanks for the video; staying informed without succumbing to despair is an important question for so many of us.
Years ago I took a month off from all news. Had withdrawals for a couple of weeks but then it was OK. Learned that most news stories have nothing to do with you and there's little or nothing you can do about it anyway. Plus there's enough good people in that area to handle the problem. Today when I'm down, I'll cut back on the news to 1-2x a week.🙂
The last bit of this video made me "Awww" audibly in the street while walking my dog. That is the nicest thing I have seen in a good while. Thank you for sharing and I wish them a long and happy life together. ❤️
Vonnegut called it out accurately in Sirens of Titan. I think of it whenever there's talk about how much people like to see successful celebrities fail. Vonnegut's character said "It’s the contrast they like. The order of events doesn’t make any difference to them. It’s the thrill of the fast reverse..." So a story about how things are fine and something terrible happens is compelling, but so is a story about something terrible being made good.
Something I've done that's helped me loads is logging out of my social media accounts when I'm done using them. Being faced with the log in screen each time I mindlessly tap on an app or open a browser really helps me take a second to re-think if the site/app I'm going to is where I want to be right now. I've virtually stopped going on twitter and instagram (with no emotional downsides so far) and have started leaning on more niche sites for funny and creative inspiration and community. For my news intake I try to stick to getting my info from sites that cover more local news and problems so I feel more empowered to join groups and movements in my own community that are trying to find solutions. (And it helps me become more aware that those local organizations and groups even exist!)
I love this video. I started a new RUclips account because my old one was perpetuating a cycle of negativity, pessimism, and depression in me and I need a change. Your channel is the first one I subscribed to. Your wife and Dad are great. Plus, I'm a writer so I appreciate the conundrum of story-telling. Thank you.
I stopped reading and watching the news when the school kids were killed in Texas. Going on two years now with not one instant of news. I don't feel denied or out of touch, I feel glad, so glad, so very glad I stopped. I am certainly happier and healthier. And I feel less afraid of the world. I can't save the world, but I can live my life in a positive way. I will not go back!
coincidentally! i also gave up reading "the news" this year and goddamn, it feels great getting over the whole "i'm not being informed! i'm behind!" thing did take awhile ... and why does your thumbnail remind me of the cover art for 'the 40-Year-Old Virgin' 🤔lol
Craig, have you checked out 1440? It's a newsletter with news but no commentary. I've found that my mental state has benefitted from using it as my primary news source.
I attend retreats occasionally that are Internet and phone free. They act as resets and I always feel so good not consuming news or wasting time on social media. I inevitably get sucked back in after I return to my regular life, but each time I go on retreat I find it helps me to have more awareness about how I consume media. I’ve limited my social media usage to only posting content connected to my creativity and no scrolling. I’m still fairly addicted to the negative sides of news, using the excuse of not wanting to be doing an ostrich (head in the sand) but those few weeks after a retreat are golden times, where I feel free and relaxed.
That's it! The 80 year olds getting married did it for me! I'm glad I stuck to the end. I almost quit cause nothing from this video was really getting to me! Thank you so much!
That insight about wanting the resolution and never getting it, and this being a reason we keep reading the bad news - wow. Never thought about that but that makes so much sense.
Holy shit Craig, just came back to your channel for the firs time in like 10 years, you'd just got with Chyna when I dropped off as a teenager. Much love, great to see your wholesomeness again.
In the Netherlands, we have a tv program called "Even Tot Hier" (which very very losely translates to the conversational "hang on" reaction when someone tells you something rediculous or extreme, I think). It takes the news and gives it to the viewers in the form of sketches, witty songs (very intelligent witty songs) and a quiz (played by the studio audience) by two skilled comedians/singers and a musician and a lot of enthusiastic guests. They never shy away - not even an inch - from the negative stuff, but I still walk away entertained and informed and not burned/bummed out at all. They explain everything so clearly, rationalize it and more than often shine light on the hypocritical, dualistic or even right out silly sides of human behaviour/society. They're only on for 2 months a year or so (one episode a week), but I sure wish all news was delivered like this at all times on tv. XD
I’ve done similar experiments and what I discovered is when you read the news is almost as important as what news you read. If you read bad news in the morning it will overtake you mind for the entire day where as if you read the same news in the late afternoon it still bums you out but it face competition from the other thoughts you allowed to grow throughout the day. The news becomes just another thing as opposed to THE thing on your mind all day. It’s not a perfect solution but it helps.
Great video. Loved the long start with Birdie! Personally, when I see outlets that proclaim they publish or spotlight only good news I am always skeptical about them because of 2 main reasons: 1. When someone defines something as good they state an opinion or an agenda. and usually, they do not state clearly their agenda or opinion. 2. Usually, It's hard to find who writes the "good news" and to find out if the writers are competent journalists and not spreading fake news - so many of the good news articles are based on a misreading of research or publicity for companies that over state their potential. That being said, the negativity of the news (research shows that provoking anger is the best way to get clicks) is hard and often times overwhelming. That's why I stare at my dog a lot, just as you did at the start of the video!
I enjoyed the character arc within this story, and particularly how it became (sadly) apparent that the good news papers had a much slower pace of publishing. It was bittersweet at the end to temporarily be in a "no news is a nice place" but I get this!
Way back when Netflix streaming first started to be a thing, my roommates constantly binged CSI and Law & Order. I quickly discovered that if I joined them in watching, being constantly inundated with all the negativity, all the horrible things people are capable of doing to one another caused my general outlook to become more negative. I started to feel generally more anxious and more distrustful of random people. When I noticed this trend, I decided to start mixing in more light-hearted and hopeful shows like comedies or Doctor Who, and the dark cloud tinting my perception quickly lifted. All this is to say that you should always be mindful of what you decide to put into your brain, and how it can affect you.
This was awesome. I think for me I scroll news when I’m bored and need a dopamine hit. The shock and pearl clutching headlines give me that rush I was fixing for and make me feel justified in all my straw man judgments I’ve created in my head about the world. Bad news is an addiction and the withdrawal period is part of getting sober from it
Craig, I just gotta say, you're the only RUclipsr I will happily sit through ad spots for. You make them humorous and entertaining. I feel like if I were to skip the ad, I would miss an enjoyable part of your video. It's so much better than skipping or sitting through someone's canned script. Keep up the good work!
I actually did this myself a few months back. I agree with your assessment on how only good news can be boring while you want resolution for the bad stuff. As you mentioned, we can't avoid all the negative things in life - but I have learned to incorporate more positivity and good news in my life to balance the baddies. Thanks for always making great content. :)
First, CONGRATULATIONS to the bride and groom!!! Second, in my experience, the best way to see that there are good things happening in the world is to join in! It doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment - years ago I helped an immigrant mom from Hong Kong improve her English so she could pass her citizenship test and get a better job. (I do not speak Cantonese, her native language. It was arranged through a literacy organization after I passed their short training course.) I learned so much from helping her! Yes, I also did the “dedicate your entire life to the cause” volunteering before my kids arrived. I met so many brilliant, caring people whose counsel and friendships I cherish. I guess it boils down to this: Don’t just try to consume good news. Be a part of the “small, thoughtful group of people” that creates the good news by changing one tiny piece of the world at a time. Happy holidays, everybody!
Congrats to the newlyweds! Also, we have a societal addiction to news as a form of entertainment. I agree that good news alone is not the answer, but a measured intake of news _is_ the answer. That, and a heaping helping of gratitude for what is going well in your own life.
I so appreciate this video (your other ones too), it pushed me to do what in knew to do… focus on good, and deal with the not-good only when necessary. The app suggestions were great and they are all on my phone now!!!
Something I have tried recently with decent success is a thing called the "Newpaper". It's basically a daily newsletter that is texted to you every week day morning. It's focused on nonbiased summaries of the days top stories. I find it really helpful because it doesn't have alot of pictures and it doesn't seem focused on what could happen but what IS happening. Kinda cool, its worth $5 a month to not be as aggravated/still be informed.
I just told my sister, who is an avid news watcher, if there was something I needed to know that she would tell me. Stopped slurping up the news of the day and in all my apps. I am much, much happier.
I feel like The Dodo has good news with conflict. It's all about animals or human-animal interaction, but it's one source that came to my mind when you talked about missing that conflict and solution. I just noticed I should try and engage more. I watched your video and others and almost left without a comment and thumps up, which is like doomwatching and rather mindless mass consumption, therefore unhealthy and soulless. So thank you for opening my eyes on something unrelated! BTW, I haven't watched RUclips videos in a while so I missed you getting a dog. Yay you guys! So happy for you. What a gorgeous pupper!
I admit i need to be reading and paying attention to good positive things in the world. I think ive been overdosing on negative angry horrible news its starting of touch of my depression.
This is such an uplifting message! When you absorb bad news only, you get slumped and unmotivated, almost nihilistic, personally. When I see something positive and successful, it seriously gifts you motivation and comfort, enough comfort to see bad news and maybe want to fight to change it (if its more political) or you have more care for the bad news as like the positive news, it is had in measured doses. Neither are overpowering anymore, but strong enough to rouse feeling in you.
Enough bad news to not be ignorant or naive. Enough good news to elevate my vibration above it all. I'm tired of incessant negativity, I want to hear what is right about people more than what is wrong. What we focus on becomes our dominant reality. Thank you for the sarcastic and truthful video.
@ 14:00 : you certainly hit MY nail on the head here. I once looked for good news like you did, but these days I’m just not reading as much news, period. Not consuming news/info in general has helped me a lot. I think that constant hunger for information is created by our culture and adds a layer of stress beyond the stress caused by most of that info being negative. In short: Stop consuming information as much and that will help. I know when big things happen, talk about issues with friends, and that’s enough.
The news nowadays is very strange, it makes me glad i’m not the only one who sees it. I haven’t watched in years, maybe 15 or more. I distinctly remember the shift; I was at my aunts house during college and we had the news on. A jet at an air show broke apart and crashed into the audience. There was no censoring, and they ran it 5 times and even slowed it down. That was the time I went, wth! And haven’t looked back since. Important news things still somehow make it to me without watching or listening
The thing that's helped my mental health has been giving up algorithmically recommended news and just reading the PDF versions of newspapers. Then I'm not as drawn in by clickbait and I at least see headlines from a more broad set of topics than what the algorithms think I want to see.
Balance is key! But you know what, I watch your videos because they bring fun and positivity to the world! Keep it up because you're part of the good news process ;-)
What I have found having not watched bad news for years is when everyone around me wants to talk politics and about the bad news, I shut down and say, I haven’t heard about that. I’m suppose to pick sides and debate, which I don’t do, so I hardly ever get together with anyone and just live my little solo life….with my dog. She gets me😊
I think a way to stay "in touch" even with the "bad news" and keep the high that comes with reading good news is to not force bad news out permanently, but perhaps to set aside a time of day or day(s) of the week to focus on the good news. Like do what you normally do during the week, then on the weekend shift to the good news apps. Or, give yourself an hour to "doomscroll" a day and reserve any news-checking afterwards only to those good news apps. It gamifies it in a way, gives you something to look forward to even when you see the bad news daily, which keeps you motivated to search out the good news.
Congrats to Chyna's grandfather and his new wife! ❤❤ I like the 1440 newsletter too. I was going to share the link but I see you listed it above. Happy holidays!
I'm not going to lie, I don't really enjoy life very often, but the line, "it's not all roses and butterflies, but there are roses and butterflies" made me feel an inkling of hope.
I also found this line hope-filled and inspiring.
I liked that line too.
I know the feeling. Hang in there. You’re not alone.
inkling inkling✨✨
Put that on a tee shirt!!!
It's so refreshing to see stuff like this being covered by people who don't pretend to have all the answers.
"Here's what I tried, and how it went for me" is so much more useful than "following my advice will change your life (and is it doesn't then you've failed in some way)".
I appreciate you!
but what did he try? to change his preferences like on a smartphone???? old habits die hard
"by people who don't pretend to have all the answers"
Yessss, so many youtubers nowadays throw out these high quality videos and it basically depictions about the end of the world but then you find out they're like 18 and have a team of interns or just don't provide any sources whatsoever
+
Hardest agree. The only life advice I live by is "all advice is bullshit and you really just have to go try it for yourself"
The question I started asking myself was, “is there a way to be mindful while reading awful news?” Once I started practicing (as much as anyone can) non judgement while reading/watching the news, my anxiety around the doom and gloom changed significantly.
Non judgement is a really good skill to have
What a good idea!
@@slax4884 That's so stupid
/s
Finding journalists and news outlets who don't editorialize every story or clickbait every headline helps with this too.
Sounds quite challengeing tbh
also wtf challengeing is hard to spell
One practice I did for my mental health was to do something similar with social media. I only scrolled through social media until I hit something toxic or triggering. It tricked the algorithm because it gave me less and less of those things because I was giving less and less attention to those things. I also added positive accounts (like Upworthy, The Dodo, and Some Good News). These two things have made my social media experience SO much better.
Oh that's so smart! I'm going to start doing this.
I love this idea!
That's great, I'm going to start doing that!
The Dodo is not a good resource. They encourage dangerous behaviors of rehabbing animals without proper training.
I came back just to thank you for this advice. It cleared all of the outrage content from my feed in a single day. I didn't realize it was this easy to trick the algorithm into doing what I want
Hey Craig, I love your videos! I have a news-viewing suggestion for you. Back story for context: After the 2016 election I was struggling with my mental health and noticed how detrimental it was for me to scroll headlines or listen to the news. I quit for a while but came to a similar conclusion as you, that I felt pretty disconnected from the social narrative. I played around with different limiters: time-limiting my access to news, only checking the news in the evening, which worked pretty well to help my day-to-day optimism and motivation since I wasn't rinsing my brain with despair every morning. Around 2020 I settled on a strategy which has worked really well for me through the pandemic: I heavily prioritize reading local news. I find my local papers to have a great mix of feel-good stories, local discussions, issues, and perspectives. Because the scope of these articles is more granular and hyper-local, I feel less distress and instead feel more connected to my community. When there's a big issue going on locally, I have the ability to do something about it and can have a real impact. I have also become a font of knowledge for my friends and family about what is going on in our local community, which feels good! I hope you give it a try! Anyhow thank you for coming to my Ted Talk. 😊 Keep up all the great work becoming the best You that you can be!
Thanks for sharing! I absolutely love this. Recently I've just stopped paying attention to the news because I am so overwhelmed with my own life right now. I really can't take anything else in. I was watching SNL and I turned to my husband and ask if that really happened and he laughed because I'm so out of touch right now. But honestly I don't care. I need to take care of me first, then I can read the news again.
This is a great suggestion!!!! Thanks.
You're so right about the local new approach. I'm in Manchester, UK, and there's a fantastic local news outlet (with free and paid subscription tiers so it's accessible) that emails me 3-4 times a week. Really well-researched independent journalism on local issues where they've take the time to analyse a story from all angles and contact lots of relevant local figures about it. A couple of their stories take months of research and even data analysis, collaborating with Manchester University, for really complicated issues like "why is the homelessness crisis so much worse in Manchester than other cities?". Never a clickbait-y "here are some hot takes from Twitter". I hope that there's similar stuff out there for folks in other cities.
I live in Singapore and it’s so small that the country news is like local news. We get the same mix of otter spotting, government initiatives, science stuff plus the odd sex case and fights by the bars. This year we had the drugged up chap with the long sword tackled to the ground by a chap coming out of the supermarket using his groceries as a shield. It’s a much more rounded view of life.
@@silverlinedheart What is the name of the news outlet? I want to subscribe.
Congrats to those newlyweds. Now there's some Wheezy generated good news!
I agree. Finally married after all those years being pen pals.
Wait what, that's not what was meant...?
That was adorable and it made me happy. Best wishes to them
HuffPost do a good news page too. I don't like them because they are so biased (even though their bias basically matches mine, it still drives me crazy to notice it and notice how they don't try to mitigate it), but the good news page is good enough
So much of the "good news" is just " a nice thing happened to one guy". I'd like to see more community focused good news like stuff about the non-profits who do lots of good work. They could still do it on a personal level like "a day in the life of an ex-homeless person who now volunteers helping homeless people" I've met so many people who dedicate their lives to helping others and all we ever hear about are the people who *pretended* to be like that so they could make money.. but I've met so many of the genuine article, those people are everywhere making a difference every day
@@therabbithat Omg, first I was about to be excited that you're a kindred spirit in the camp of "just because your biases align with my values doesn't mean I'm okay with you being biased" (it so often feels like there are so few of us willing to make that kind of criticism!) ... BUT THEN I got all distracted by feeling so seen & appreciated due to your choice of example, because I'm an unhoused person working on ways to work & volunteer with helping my homeless peers! Yes, thank you so so much, we are many & we're out here doing our best 😆 Sheesh what a lovely comment-reading-experience that was, made my day, tysm
What a perfect way to end this video :)
*I cut out all news years ago. My mental health is infinitely better. 99.99999% of the world's problems don't involve me and can't be helped by me. You have to let go.*
Same here! Makes a difference doesn't it?
Same here! Whatever happens, happens not like I can't change it. So why worry about it. Sure maybe keep up to date on some things to remain cautious. All I need is whether or not ill be needing an umbrella or a coat to leave the house.
That’s really what it about: letting go. We’ve been deluded into thinking that consuming news (which is manufactured to be addictive) matters; into think that observing bad things is some form of diligence. But at a certain point you have to realize “that war is awful but I don’t have a rocket launcher.”
There is a war between russia and ukraine
My reaction to this has always been to worry about people's engagement in political issues, so I'll ask you about this! Do you feel like ypu become a less well-informed voter when you're less aware of what's going on? Do you feel like you're not aware of some things you could be contributing to the solution for (by protesting, volunteering, donating, even debating with other people who vote)? This is sort of the missing piece of the puzzle for this mindset for me
My news intake has gotten a lot more positive since I started focusing mainly in my local news. It includes stuff about local events, or people doing good in my community, or stories from local people who've overcome tragedy, and it's really good. And it also includes bad things, but it's a lot more balanced.
Me and my family watch our local news everyday after school/work. It brings a bit of levity to the otherwise doom and gloom of national and international stories.
I've been consuming only positive news for two years. It eliminates a lot of unnecessary stress and helps me to feel more hopeful about the future of humanity and my place in the world. And guess what: if the mainstream news is really important, it will find its way into your awareness. People will be talking about it; you'll hear about it from acquaintances or in some other media that you consume. We're not obligated to seek out the bad news we want to hear. Good news takes a little effort, but you will be rewarded instead of disheartened.
Yup, same here!
Good to hear.
Exactly!
Same here!
Good for you man!
I stopped following mass media altogether on all my socials, subscriptions, and emails (I don't have TV or NPR) about 10 years ago. I've never looked back and my daily life is more positive. My creative thinking and questions about current events have also changed. I'm not being "fed" triggering words that are meant to arouse anger and rage. I can think about things critically and do my own research.
Like you said many times, I'm not ignoring current issues worldwide. What I do is check in weekly on events and do my own research on topics that I want to dive into. It's more selective and relevant rather than crafted by all and any mass media company.
I heard someone on some thing recently call social media administrators & people running related media businesses "inflammation entrepreneurs". Such an apt term. Monetizing getting people upset so they bug each other more than they should ... Ugh. Anyway I'd semi-forgotten the phrase, but you mentioning being fed triggering words reminded me of it, thanks lol!
And high-fives, right there with you, ditched pretty much all use of social & video media sources besides youtube a good while back, & it's been amazing. It was weird for a while how much compulsion I felt to go read or argue in a comments section at times when listening to podcasts or books or otherwise engaging with stuff that doesn't have friggin' social aspects lol, but thankfully I seem to have mostly gotten over that. Except on youtube 😂 ah well, progress is progress, & having almost zero ads in my life is T H E B E S T .
Sounds very healthy!
My Neighbor Totoro is a good example of a story with almost zero conflict that holds your attention throughout and will always be timeless. Stories like this exist, but you don't see them too often in American culture. We definitely need more stories and films like these. 🥰
I would say that it has conflict: the mother's illness. It looms over the whole movie and is what makes the sisters fight and it gets resolved at the end.
@@H21058 That's why I said almost zero conflict. It's not the main part of the story, and the conflict is resolved almost immediately after it started. It's very refreshing to watch, especially when you're feeling down. ❤️
Wait, maybe you are confused, or I just disagree, the little sister runs away and for a little while it's hinted that she drowns in a rice paddy, we don't know how bad their mom's disease really is throughout the movie. Those are high stakes, though the beginning is quite a feel good story, no grave of the fireflies T.T.
This! There are many movies that aren't specifically plot driven where "nothing happens" but you don't tend to see them much in Western media
Korean dramas are good for this too.
Your point about "searching for resolution" is something I hadn't considered before, and it makes a lot of sense. As for a pessimistic jaded person like myself, I'm so conditioned to expect bad news that when I see positivity in any form, it utterly breaks me. Seeing that wedding footage might have choked me up a bit. Thanks once again, Life Coach Craig.
I got rid of TV a dozen years ago, no newspaper, no social media except RUclips and the only thing I watch on RUclips are art tutorials and your channel ! ! ! And the world turns without me making myself sick over it.
I was like, "You can't show the bread again without giving the recipe" and then you did give the recipe. You're a good people, Craig.
Building on your focus in finding more positivity, I want to focus on my goal of contributing more positivity. Long time listener, first time caller. I've been enjoying your videos for a while now, but i've never felt compelled to comment. But for whatever it's worth to you sir; I just want to say I love the new format of your videos! I don't know what prompted the shift, but the more unique style of your intros and the format of the videos themselves feel a lot more intimate and compelling. I find myself more focused on your videos because there's little flashes of your personal life, and i find myself more invested because of it. For someone that is so focused on their growth and development, it shouldn't be surprising to say how much growth and development i've seen from you over the year, but from one stranger to another, it's been really fun to watch. Thank you for the quality content, sir! Looking forward to the new year!
What a wholesome lovely comment.
Heads up in case you don't know: Don't edit it now, because the Wheezy heartification will go away if you do. :P Also, heads up in case you don't know: You got a Wheezy heartification 😁 as such a lovely comment should!
I find a lot of "infotainment" channels on RUclips can be a source of good news that also feels real and keeps you in touch with what's happening in the world. The channel that comes to mind for me is "Two Minute Papers", and Professor Károly Zsolnai-Fehér always strikes me as such an optimistic presenter for his content, and that optimism is contagious: "What a time to be alive!"
I wonder at times if we are exposed to far more news than we can handle. I don’t think we were made to know every little thing that happens in the world and there is so much information now that we can be bombarded.
Local news! Local paper, public radio, slow old fashioned journalism! It's not the frenzy of social media but it will keep you informed without being overly sensational. It keeps you more in touch with the stuff going on in your area, and less about big political/world/society level problems that it feels like you can't do anything about but stress you out anyway. You mentioned wanting that "conclusion" or "resolution" and I definitely feel like I get more of that when I'm reading actual journalism that has time to analyze and understand the thing they're reporting on.
Good news! You've been my favorite eagle punching RUclipsr for the better part of 10 years. May you tube into your 100s Sir Wheezy!
Hey Craig I highly recommend your local newspaper or alternative magazine (the kind that’s free at the grocery store/ coffee shop). Though there is still crime, there’s more relatable good news - local businesses opening, high school sports teams winning against rivals, and I find more resolution-stories in my local papers than anywhere else. And I love a community calendar, that feels like good news too. Thanks for the video!
GOOD MORNING!!
Afternoon here in the UK :D
@@happyfrenchfries oops. GOOD AFTERNOON!
Good afternoon back!
And good morning!
Good afternoon to you mate
I read the odd New Scientist magazine and listen to This Week weekly news. I think news that focuses on the last few days gets toxic quick, but in-depth focus on problems and solutions that comes from weekly or fortnightly sources really helps me understand what's going on. Also, choosing a sideways or different perspective like the science one is helpful. You could pick up a philosophy magazine another week or a political one the next, and everything has news in it but instead of being just news, it's the context if that makes sense. More context and understanding means more of a sense of control and real involvement and thus more positive feelings.
Agreed! I love when articles revisit a topic that was bad before with how it's resolved, but those are short and hard to find.
I have this wierd high from good news that I've heard in my personal life, and well this good news video. I am definitely aware of other things going on in the world, but this moment of appreciation for things that are good is a happy feeling and I like it. Oh and the newlyweds at the end just gave me a beaming smile. Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Crabtree
Thank you Craig. The world needs more good news.
Oh my goodness! Congrats to her grandpa! That warms my heart so much.
this is the real story of this video-those two crazy love-birds did it! Congrats to them!
Two things: First you're so right about us seeking conflict, which is why these good news stories are boring. What they need is some conflict! After all, we don't think stories that have happy endings are automatically boring. SO they need to be written with more suspense in the title and throughout, with more focus on the challenges and conflict they had along the way. Then, end good.
Secondly, I have been not reading regular news for a year now, and I love it. It does not mean I'm uninformed, because I'm just hearing news the same way people always used to: word of mouth! The people around me tell me things that are happening when that person finds them interesting or distressing, and if I'm interested I go and research it.
I think your issue may be the doomscrolling and constantly seeking it, rather than needing to hear only good news when you do seek it.
Another great video
As someone who sends out a weekly newsletter filled with good news, this is super validating to know that sending out my newsletter is the right thing to do!! Thanks for this Craig!
would love to sign up for this newsletter! link?
I think another bad thing with reading all the horrible news (particularly on sites like reddit) is that there is always the peanut gallery of negativity to contend with. It just gets so exhausting.
I am a natural optimist and I also find seeing bad news can be very emotionally draining. I’m very easily moved by loss and suffering and feel a lot of empathy for people going through bad times. I do seek out good news but I also curate my social media to follow people who are change makers, people who rescue animals, political activists, organisations that are educating, feeding and providing safety for people. Knowing that not only are people trying to enact positive change but that I can also support that through sharing their message or donating etc makes the bad news seem less unmanageable.
Edit: There are so many great suggestions in the comments for how to consume news that I’m going to try as well. The common theme seems to be when we feel like we can make an impact and help effect change it makes bad news less overwhelming and hopeless.
For countries that don't get snow, thank you so much for sharing! and you absolutely identified why 'newstertainment' works so well to keep us tagging along! Loved the vid. Thanks so much. Congratulations to Chyna's Grandpa and his new wife. So sweet!
Congrats to Chyna’s grandpa! And Yay seeing your dad! A wheezy video with his parents is my favorite video! It doesn’t matter which one. I just may be their biggest fan! I wanted to also say, when it comes to news, I don’t watch it or read it at all. I find out what is important by word of mouth or general social media scrolling. I have never missed a clock set back or a solar/lunar event. Facebook is good for tipping you off on what you need to know (Why IS that helicopter circling?!) and which celebrities died type thing. Lack of news has been so good for my mental health. Say hi to your folks and let them know they are loved!
OMG that wedding at the end. Brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for that.
That's what I did just now! I read a good news email and it made me feel so much better!!!!!!!
If anyone wants a link to it .......
THANK YOU for this video! I’m so over the doom scrolling and negativity people do. It carries into their lives and makes it difficult to navigate them.
I stopped watching the news a few years ago. Best decision ever. And when there is something/ some news I wanna know more about the internet is always there.
Their wedding was so sweet and cute, I didn’t expect to cry at the end of this video but here we are
What a good time of year for focusing on the good. I love the thought that humans are fixers and that’s why we look for problems. Thank you!
My approach is:
1 don't get news unexpectedly and immediately - no headlines just because you've got the radio on, no filter feeding via twitter (I don't have twitter)
2 my news sources are podcasts which are either funny or in-depth - for me, I use The News Quiz, More or Less and Inside Science. I find this easier to listen to because it's not just HERE ARE A BIG LIST OF THINGS YOU CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT, it comes with criticism and a sense of perspective and, for the funny ones, often a sense of solidarity.
3 I also recently subbed to the Future Crunch newsletter, to balance out the negatives with the positives.
4 I love the local news idea that a couple of people in these comments have suggested. My local community has a quarterly newsletter and I think I'll look into a slightly more regular local news source too.
Thanks for the video; staying informed without succumbing to despair is an important question for so many of us.
Years ago I took a month off from all news. Had withdrawals for a couple of weeks but then it was OK. Learned that most news stories have nothing to do with you and there's little or nothing you can do about it anyway. Plus there's enough good people in that area to handle the problem. Today when I'm down, I'll cut back on the news to 1-2x a week.🙂
The last bit of this video made me "Awww" audibly in the street while walking my dog. That is the nicest thing I have seen in a good while. Thank you for sharing and I wish them a long and happy life together. ❤️
Vonnegut called it out accurately in Sirens of Titan. I think of it whenever there's talk about how much people like to see successful celebrities fail. Vonnegut's character said "It’s the contrast they like. The order of events doesn’t make any difference to them. It’s the thrill of the fast reverse..." So a story about how things are fine and something terrible happens is compelling, but so is a story about something terrible being made good.
Good news, good news, good news
That's all they wanna hear
Something I've done that's helped me loads is logging out of my social media accounts when I'm done using them. Being faced with the log in screen each time I mindlessly tap on an app or open a browser really helps me take a second to re-think if the site/app I'm going to is where I want to be right now. I've virtually stopped going on twitter and instagram (with no emotional downsides so far) and have started leaning on more niche sites for funny and creative inspiration and community. For my news intake I try to stick to getting my info from sites that cover more local news and problems so I feel more empowered to join groups and movements in my own community that are trying to find solutions. (And it helps me become more aware that those local organizations and groups even exist!)
I love this video. I started a new RUclips account because my old one was perpetuating a cycle of negativity, pessimism, and depression in me and I need a change. Your channel is the first one I subscribed to. Your wife and Dad are great.
Plus, I'm a writer so I appreciate the conundrum of story-telling. Thank you.
I stopped reading and watching the news when the school kids were killed in Texas. Going on two years now with not one instant of news. I don't feel denied or out of touch, I feel glad, so glad, so very glad I stopped. I am certainly happier and healthier. And I feel less afraid of the world. I can't save the world, but I can live my life in a positive way. I will not go back!
what a healthy family
The wedding and their smiles warmed my heart 💜.
coincidentally! i also gave up reading "the news" this year and goddamn, it feels great
getting over the whole "i'm not being informed! i'm behind!" thing did take awhile ...
and why does your thumbnail remind me of the cover art for 'the 40-Year-Old Virgin' 🤔lol
Mazel tov Mr and Mrs Crabtree! I'm all teary and I don't even know them. There are adorable. That's the kind of news I need. Thanks.
Craig, have you checked out 1440? It's a newsletter with news but no commentary. I've found that my mental state has benefitted from using it as my primary news source.
Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Frank Crabtree .... the best news! So heartwarming! Yes, I'm a sucker for sweetness. And unapologetic!
I attend retreats occasionally that are Internet and phone free. They act as resets and I always feel so good not consuming news or wasting time on social media. I inevitably get sucked back in after I return to my regular life, but each time I go on retreat I find it helps me to have more awareness about how I consume media. I’ve limited my social media usage to only posting content connected to my creativity and no scrolling. I’m still fairly addicted to the negative sides of news, using the excuse of not wanting to be doing an ostrich (head in the sand) but those few weeks after a retreat are golden times, where I feel free and relaxed.
In 06 I canceled cable from the local cable gouger ..that helped alot...what u prescribe adds to it ✔️
That's it! The 80 year olds getting married did it for me! I'm glad I stuck to the end. I almost quit cause nothing from this video was really getting to me! Thank you so much!
You are a big motivation to all of us to put in daily effort and plan ahead
That insight about wanting the resolution and never getting it, and this being a reason we keep reading the bad news - wow. Never thought about that but that makes so much sense.
Omg, the ending! So cute 😍
Holy shit Craig, just came back to your channel for the firs time in like 10 years, you'd just got with Chyna when I dropped off as a teenager. Much love, great to see your wholesomeness again.
In the Netherlands, we have a tv program called "Even Tot Hier" (which very very losely translates to the conversational "hang on" reaction when someone tells you something rediculous or extreme, I think).
It takes the news and gives it to the viewers in the form of sketches, witty songs (very intelligent witty songs) and a quiz (played by the studio audience) by two skilled comedians/singers and a musician and a lot of enthusiastic guests.
They never shy away - not even an inch - from the negative stuff, but I still walk away entertained and informed and not burned/bummed out at all. They explain everything so clearly, rationalize it and more than often shine light on the hypocritical, dualistic or even right out silly sides of human behaviour/society.
They're only on for 2 months a year or so (one episode a week), but I sure wish all news was delivered like this at all times on tv. XD
I’ve done similar experiments and what I discovered is when you read the news is almost as important as what news you read. If you read bad news in the morning it will overtake you mind for the entire day where as if you read the same news in the late afternoon it still bums you out but it face competition from the other thoughts you allowed to grow throughout the day. The news becomes just another thing as opposed to THE thing on your mind all day. It’s not a perfect solution but it helps.
Great video. Loved the long start with Birdie!
Personally, when I see outlets that proclaim they publish or spotlight only good news I am always skeptical about them because of 2 main reasons:
1. When someone defines something as good they state an opinion or an agenda. and usually, they do not state clearly their agenda or opinion.
2. Usually, It's hard to find who writes the "good news" and to find out if the writers are competent journalists and not spreading fake news - so many of the good news articles are based on a misreading of research or publicity for companies that over state their potential.
That being said, the negativity of the news (research shows that provoking anger is the best way to get clicks) is hard and often times overwhelming. That's why I stare at my dog a lot, just as you did at the start of the video!
I enjoyed the character arc within this story, and particularly how it became (sadly) apparent that the good news papers had a much slower pace of publishing. It was bittersweet at the end to temporarily be in a "no news is a nice place" but I get this!
Way back when Netflix streaming first started to be a thing, my roommates constantly binged CSI and Law & Order. I quickly discovered that if I joined them in watching, being constantly inundated with all the negativity, all the horrible things people are capable of doing to one another caused my general outlook to become more negative.
I started to feel generally more anxious and more distrustful of random people. When I noticed this trend, I decided to start mixing in more light-hearted and hopeful shows like comedies or Doctor Who, and the dark cloud tinting my perception quickly lifted.
All this is to say that you should always be mindful of what you decide to put into your brain, and how it can affect you.
Ground News is a pretty decent way to more mindfully consume news. I’d recommend that for sure
This was awesome. I think for me I scroll news when I’m bored and need a dopamine hit. The shock and pearl clutching headlines give me that rush I was fixing for and make me feel justified in all my straw man judgments I’ve created in my head about the world. Bad news is an addiction and the withdrawal period is part of getting sober from it
Craig, I just gotta say, you're the only RUclipsr I will happily sit through ad spots for. You make them humorous and entertaining. I feel like if I were to skip the ad, I would miss an enjoyable part of your video. It's so much better than skipping or sitting through someone's canned script. Keep up the good work!
You saved the best for last!!! Love 💕 aweeee. Ok and HUGEST thanks for the bread Recipe!!
I actually did this myself a few months back. I agree with your assessment on how only good news can be boring while you want resolution for the bad stuff. As you mentioned, we can't avoid all the negative things in life - but I have learned to incorporate more positivity and good news in my life to balance the baddies. Thanks for always making great content. :)
The end was so touching. Thanks for including it. 🙏🦋
First, CONGRATULATIONS to the bride and groom!!!
Second, in my experience, the best way to see that there are good things happening in the world is to join in! It doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment - years ago I helped an immigrant mom from Hong Kong improve her English so she could pass her citizenship test and get a better job. (I do not speak Cantonese, her native language. It was arranged through a literacy organization after I passed their short training course.) I learned so much from helping her!
Yes, I also did the “dedicate your entire life to the cause” volunteering before my kids arrived. I met so many brilliant, caring people whose counsel and friendships I cherish.
I guess it boils down to this: Don’t just try to consume good news. Be a part of the “small, thoughtful group of people” that creates the good news by changing one tiny piece of the world at a time.
Happy holidays, everybody!
Love your videos!
Congrats to the newlyweds! Also, we have a societal addiction to news as a form of entertainment. I agree that good news alone is not the answer, but a measured intake of news _is_ the answer. That, and a heaping helping of gratitude for what is going well in your own life.
I so appreciate this video (your other ones too), it pushed me to do what in knew to do… focus on good, and deal with the not-good only when necessary. The app suggestions were great and they are all on my phone now!!!
Something I have tried recently with decent success is a thing called the "Newpaper". It's basically a daily newsletter that is texted to you every week day morning. It's focused on nonbiased summaries of the days top stories. I find it really helpful because it doesn't have alot of pictures and it doesn't seem focused on what could happen but what IS happening. Kinda cool, its worth $5 a month to not be as aggravated/still be informed.
That end to the video though... ugh... I love it! Congrats :)
Best. Ending. EVER!!!
Omg that wedding was sooo cute! Thank you for sharing!
I just told my sister, who is an avid news watcher, if there was something I needed to know that she would tell me. Stopped slurping up the news of the day and in all my apps. I am much, much happier.
I feel like The Dodo has good news with conflict. It's all about animals or human-animal interaction, but it's one source that came to my mind when you talked about missing that conflict and solution.
I just noticed I should try and engage more. I watched your video and others and almost left without a comment and thumps up, which is like doomwatching and rather mindless mass consumption, therefore unhealthy and soulless. So thank you for opening my eyes on something unrelated!
BTW, I haven't watched RUclips videos in a while so I missed you getting a dog. Yay you guys! So happy for you. What a gorgeous pupper!
Ending on grandpa's wedding was perfect. Congratulations to them!
Have fun in Kentucky!
I'm in Winchester.
Also, I have Crabtrees in my family!
I admit i need to be reading and paying attention to good positive things in the world. I think ive been overdosing on negative angry horrible news its starting of touch of my depression.
This is such an uplifting message! When you absorb bad news only, you get slumped and unmotivated, almost nihilistic, personally. When I see something positive and successful, it seriously gifts you motivation and comfort, enough comfort to see bad news and maybe want to fight to change it (if its more political) or you have more care for the bad news as like the positive news, it is had in measured doses. Neither are overpowering anymore, but strong enough to rouse feeling in you.
Enough bad news to not be ignorant or naive. Enough good news to elevate my vibration above it all. I'm tired of incessant negativity, I want to hear what is right about people more than what is wrong. What we focus on becomes our dominant reality. Thank you for the sarcastic and truthful video.
I can't tell you how much I needed this! Thank you
Thank you for sharing with us your results! Plenty of food for thoughts.
@ 14:00 : you certainly hit MY nail on the head here. I once looked for good news like you did, but these days I’m just not reading as much news, period. Not consuming news/info in general has helped me a lot. I think that constant hunger for information is created by our culture and adds a layer of stress beyond the stress caused by most of that info being negative. In short: Stop consuming information as much and that will help. I know when big things happen, talk about issues with friends, and that’s enough.
The news nowadays is very strange, it makes me glad i’m not the only one who sees it. I haven’t watched in years, maybe 15 or more. I distinctly remember the shift; I was at my aunts house during college and we had the news on. A jet at an air show broke apart and crashed into the audience. There was no censoring, and they ran it 5 times and even slowed it down. That was the time I went, wth! And haven’t looked back since. Important news things still somehow make it to me without watching or listening
Love love love this. Constantly seeking optimism in a world of negativity. Thank you Craig!!
The thing that's helped my mental health has been giving up algorithmically recommended news and just reading the PDF versions of newspapers. Then I'm not as drawn in by clickbait and I at least see headlines from a more broad set of topics than what the algorithms think I want to see.
It’s safe to check the news today, hon! Got some good news!
Good luck!
Balance is key! But you know what, I watch your videos because they bring fun and positivity to the world! Keep it up because you're part of the good news process ;-)
I loved this video, and especially loved you sitting on the porch. Really enjoyed those longer moments of you just thinking out loud.
Thank you for including all the good news sites and apps ❤ i need this
What I have found having not watched bad news for years is when everyone around me wants to talk politics and about the bad news, I shut down and say, I haven’t heard about that. I’m suppose to pick sides and debate, which I don’t do, so I hardly ever get together with anyone and just live my little solo life….with my dog. She gets me😊
Thank you for your content! You always lift up my spirits and I learned a lot from you.
I think a way to stay "in touch" even with the "bad news" and keep the high that comes with reading good news is to not force bad news out permanently, but perhaps to set aside a time of day or day(s) of the week to focus on the good news. Like do what you normally do during the week, then on the weekend shift to the good news apps.
Or, give yourself an hour to "doomscroll" a day and reserve any news-checking afterwards only to those good news apps. It gamifies it in a way, gives you something to look forward to even when you see the bad news daily, which keeps you motivated to search out the good news.
Congrats to Chyna's grandfather and his new wife! ❤❤ I like the 1440 newsletter too. I was going to share the link but I see you listed it above. Happy holidays!
Propublica does a great job at celebrating wins and also doing great journalism
Really glad I still ge to watch your videos, I've been watching the for almost ten years, which is crazy to say.