Good News: We bring it, we make it.
The Good Gnus group is a community of readers, writers, activists, supporters, community builders, and patriots. We begin gathering every day at 7 a.m. ET to celebrate national good news. Our most active members are of course a subgroup of members of Daily Kos, whose Front Pages celebrate “News, Community, Action.” However, you don’t have to be a member of Daily Kos to be a Gnusie.
We are realists, not fools, idiots, or ostriches. We know we live in a world where active, nefarious, and evil decision-makers do very bad things and create stress and anxiety in us, our loved ones, our friends, our allies, and our neighbors, and destroy people and systems we hold dear, yet we choose to focus on the good news that people create around the country. Sometimes we ourselves create Good News. Together we are strong and resilient. We return regularly to these pages to revitalize.
Up from the Diaries
GoodNewsRoundup’s essay yesterday: Eight Counter-messages for Combating Trump Fatigue and Keeping Hopeful and Active: Saturday's GNR
I’m just going to highlight and excerpt Mayor Roundup’s #8:
8. I am worried about everything because this is all so awful and it leaves me feeling alone and depressed
You are not alone!
Feeling down in difficult times is NORMAL. Here are some ways to feel deal with your normal reaction to this awful situation
Trump doesn’t represent the American people. Trump got 62,984,828 votes. About 174 million Americans either voted against him or didn’t vote for him, which is about 73% of the eligible-to-vote American population. Trump’s term ends in a few months.
So much good happens every day despite Trump’s cruelty and misconduct
We’ve been through worse times and persevered. About 150 years ago, Americans fought each other in a war and killed 2% of the American population. That’s the equivalent of more than 6 million people in today’s population.
Manage your social media exposure. Avoid arguing with people who are unlikely to change their minds. It’s emotionally draining, and it isn’t worth it
Surround yourself with positive people who exude resilience, hope, and problem-solving skills. Develop a circle of engaged and informed friends who focus on solutions.
Read and listen to the news from reputable sources. Don’t watch it.
Unplug. Take time for yourself–go to the gym or take a yoga restore class, take a walk, cook, or spend time with friends. It may give you the energy you need to be more productive.
Recognize that we’ll always have challenges. The issues we care about–climate change, animal welfare, human health and well-being, equality, justice, and so many others–won’t be fully resolved under any administration. But a collective effort of government, business, and individuals can put us on a better trajectory. We should work together to achieve that end.
Imagine the feeling when the Trump era ends and the country finds its footing again.
So that’s it: Eight things that have been causing us stress along with reasons to not let them.
For this Saturday, I have a request of you. I was hoping we could all chip in, even just a little, to:
flip (off) the senate
How much do you think those of us at the Good News Roundup can raise for our best chances? The money will be divided up between our 10 (or so) best chances to flip or maintain tough seats.
Remember, every bit helps. Even if you have only $5 to spare, it will add up!
Click Here to Donate to Flipping the Senate.
The answer to Mayor Roundup's question is, so far, $2,561! Thank you, my friends.