We live in age of instant media where we are constantly barraged by news. Much of this news is sad, angering, or just plain terrifying. In fact, some studies show that there are as many as seventeen negative news reports for every good news report. I don’t blame the media. They’re delivering the news that keeps consumers watching. I don’t blame the consumers (that would be silly because I, myself, am a voracious consumer of news). Our brains are wired to be more sensitive to bad news and potential threats than to good news. This lopsided focus on bad news probably helped our ancient ancestors navigate a dangerous world. Today, it’s not as helpful and can be the equivalent of wearing bad news-tinted glasses all the time. That is why I push myself everyday to pay attention to good news.

It’s there, all around me, I just need to take a moment and remind myself to see it. It’s there as I see our Direct Support Professionals helping several young ladies we serve go on a mini vacation to Wisconsin Dells for the first time in their lives. I see it as our leadership staff members are jumping in to work as Direct Support Professionals whenever they are needed. I see it in our Kids Corps volunteers as they work side by side with people with disabilities to create gardens. I see it in our wonderful community members who take time out of their busy lives to support our mission with a gift.

“Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don’t know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!”

On days when I think I’m looking really good in my bad news-tinted glasses and don’t want to take them off, I remind myself of this quote from Anne Frank, a young woman who had every reason to wear bad-news tinted glasses every day, “Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don’t know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!”

We’re working everyday to help the children and adults we serve find the good news inside of themselves. For me, I know those bad news-tinted glasses are starting to pinch my nose and make my head look big. Time to take them off and see all of the good things going on around me. What is the good news inside of you?