Blissful Masochism

Look at the news. How many articles and stories are negatively oriented? Which countries are killing each other over land, or precious gems, or some other form of power? Who was murdered in a thoughtless, gruesome mass-murder? Why is this the majority of world news?

We are genetically designed to be negative. It's instinctual. We are a self-preserving species, causing us to home in on the bad things that happen in life. We subconsciously want to know everything bad that is and has happened, so we can decide if it is a threat to our individual well-being. We are born with an instinctive desire to feel safe, and in doing so, we feel threatened and stressed and anxious. We are a blissfully masochistic race.
There is only one way to defeat this self-inflicted disease of fear and suspicion. There is one small, simple cure.

Optimism.

It can be tough to do, but to feel safe, we have to see that the world is getting better. We have to notice the stories the news doesn't feature. We need to look for the "warm-fuzzies" if we ever want to be truly stress-free. Of course we need to know about the dangers of this world, and there are many, but we also need to notice the happiness. Look for the good things in the world, because after we begin to notice the good things in life, the bad stories aren't nearly as prevalent in comparison.

Walk a little slower and look at the world around you. Notice the natural beauty of earth, of the human race, because not only are we self-preserving creatures, we are also a outwardly protective species. We care about each other. Make an effort to see the good in people. Search for the opportunity to serve others. Learn to notice the silver lining. That optimism will give you self-confidence, and remember, nobody likes to hang out with a downer. So smile! Laugh at nothing in particular! Studies say you'll live longer. People may look at you funny, but that's just because they don't get it yet. Help cure the world of blissful masochism and give the gift of anti-negativity.