Week 235

Positive post Sunday, August 22, 2021- Week 235. 

I took some time this week to look back over my 234 Positive Post Sundays.  My first PPS was on February 17, 2017, and it simply said, “I’m starting a Sunday tradition of posting a positive message each week”, and I attached the saying from Walt Disney below.  Little did I know that this would turn into a passion and tradition for me that has withstood the test of time, and a life-threatening accident thanks to my family who stepped in for a few weeks.  My PPSs, which have evolved and increased in length and depth over time, have continued weekly for over 4 years.

I began these “Positive” Posts because, back in 2017, I was troubled by all the negativity on social media and conflicts being experienced around the world.  Fast forwarding over 4 years, and all you have to do is scan social media or watch the news for a few minutes to see that the negativity has increased exponentially since I began these posts.  

I believe (all the way as Walt Disney suggested) that most people are tired of all the negativity and conflict, and find it refreshing to see or read about positive, motivating and inspirational experiences that remind all of us that there is still a great deal of good in this complex world we live in.  We face many real, challenging and significant issues in our lives and more broadly in the world, and I pray for God’s guidance as we navigate through the challenges and give him thanks for shepherding those who are doing amazing work to improve our quality of life while we are here on earth.

Reading through my past PPSs has reinforced my optimism for our future while completing my own scan of social media has strengthened the need for and my commitment to continue sharing a positive message each week.  

Although I have clearly not impacted world peace, or even influenced the continued and amplified negativity we see every day, I’m reminded of Loren Eiseley’s Starfish Thrower story.  Although there are many versions, here’s a link to the Wikipedia overview: The Star Thrower – Wikipedia, and here’s a more modern adapted version of a story by Joel Barker: The Star Thrower Story as told by Joel Barker in The Power of Vision (archive.org).  I really encourage you to read this story, it will give you perspective and insight into my final paragraph below and perhaps encourage you to find your starfish and make a difference!

Like the young man who threw starfish back into the ocean one by one, I hope I’ve made a small difference in the lives of those who have taken the time to read my posts.  I believe (and once again, I believe in it all the way, RIP Walt Disney) that if others join me in writing positive, supportive, encouraging and meaningful posts, together we can make a difference, just like the young man.

What do you believe in?  Do you believe in it all the way?  Do your actions support your belief?

Who are the starfish in your life?  How are you making a difference in their lives?