100-Day Gratitude Challenge
Day 77: Look to the “Good New Days”
Reflect
There’s a tendency for some, especially as we get older, to have a “good old days” mindset. Whether driven by nostalgia or pointing to authentic examples of things that used to be better, the mindset is mostly a limitation, sometimes infused with a hint of judgment. Regardless of one’s age, however, it’s almost always possible to find someone younger who is leading and inspiring amazing change and work in the world. Greta Thunberg, X González, Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, Amanda Gorman…and thousands of young people whose names won’t ever appear in a headline but who are making the world a better place through activism, music, art, technology, and science. They’re leaders of inclusivity and peace-building. They’re resisting the digital world by getting off their devices and meeting in person. They’re saying no to consumer culture by making thrifting not only acceptable but cool. Whether famous or not, young people are sources of inspiration and hope. The “good old days” should be treasured memories, but the “good new days” are being created in our midst.
Practice
To fill up your hope tank, spend five minutes today discovering some of the amazing things young people are doing. If you have younger friends and family to lean on, do a little crowdsourcing and ask them to share examples of hopeful things that youth are creating and leading. Chances are that they’ll love being asked and will happily share. You can also do a quick online search for examples of youth-led movements and projects that are making a positive difference. Enjoy what you discover, and let it expand your sense of hope about the future.