Yesterday, a terrorist attack happened in Las Ramblas, Barcelona. A few days earlier in Charlottesville, Virginia White Supremacists were marching the streets chanting they would not be replaced. An innocent girl was killed during the protest.
When I turn on the TV or read the news headlines on my laptop, I often think the world has gone mad.
Las Ramblas, Barcelona
Life is good but bad things happen in this world. They happen to me, they happen to you, and to everyone else. It is how we choose to deal with the negative things in this crazy world. I am not a therapist. You may say what does she know, but I will share a few things I do when I start thinking the world has gone mad.
What to do when you think the world has gone mad
Find peace within yourself. Write in your journal when you are upset or angry. Take a yoga class or meditate. It is sad that some people have anger towards strangers due to different beliefs or skin color. If you are at peace within you will never want to harm another person. I am convinced if we all found peace within ourselves the violence would end. Hiking in the mountains is where I go to get grounded and to feel at peace. Don’t jump on the hate bandwagon. Instead, say a prayer and wish for everyone to have peace within. Wish everyone well for you do not know their story.
“Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Focus on the beauty that exists around you. I take breaks from the news because it is filled with negative stories. Negativity breeds more negativity. Try it. Take a day in your life and focus on all the shit and see how you feel. Take another day and focus on all of the good things you are grateful for and see how you feel. Write about these both days in your journal.
You get back in life what you are thinking on a day-to-day basis. Use your thoughts wisely. Take a day to write about what you are grateful for, read something inspiring, enjoy the sunrise or sunset or buy a colorful floral bouquet. Focus on all the beauty that exists in this world. This planet is incredibly beautiful. Beauty surrounds you on a daily basis, open your eyes and focus on it.
A Sunflower Field in New Zealand
Believe the majority of people in this world are good. Traveling has restored my faith in humanity. I have never felt unsafe traveling before. Friendly people exist all over this world. When you travel you realize how much we are the same. Strangers around the world have given me advice on where to go and what to see. Do nice things for a stranger when you are traveling or in your hometown. Help give directions, buy someone a cup of coffee, or hold the door open for a stranger.
Take a Media detox Take a break from the news media and social media. Use the extra time to focus on something good and positive. Read a good book, exercise, meditate, take a relaxing bath or treat yourself to a spa day. Sometimes you just need to get away from it all and focus within.
The Arrabelle Spa, Vail
Make the world a better place to live in- Volunteering, donating to an organization, or creating something you wish existed is a way to make the world a better place. Start with your neighborhood or community. People are naturally drawn to positive people. Always strive to pay it forward. When you help other people, it helps you feel good inside.
Travel- Don’t be afraid to travel. Getting a change of scenery, meeting new people and exploring new places is enlightening. Meeting people all around the globe is a chance to learn from one another. There are different customs, beliefs, and opinions in the world.
Two years ago I was walking down Las Ramblas in Barcelona. Yesterday, thirteen people died and 50 were injured in a terrorist attack on the same street. On September 4th, 2001 I celebrated my anniversary at the Top of the World in New York. Seven days later the World Trade Center buildings fell to the ground. I will never stop traveling. I won’t let acts of terrorism terrify me from seeing how beautiful our planet is. You can not truly live your life if you are afraid.
Spend time with Friends- Plan a date night with friends and go have fun together. When you struggle with life and the crazy world events taking place have your friends by your side to talk to. Surround yourself with positive people that inspire you.
Don’t give up on the fairytale Evil villains exist in fairytales. In those stories, the good always prevails. There is more good in this Universe than bad. Focus on the good stuff and the dreams you are working towards. When you are down and think this world has gone mad, don’t give up. Always believe in yourself.
I wish we lived in Utopia. In a world that didn’t have hatred or violence towards others. Unfortunately, hell exists here on this Earth but I am always seeking to find my heaven. I always find it when I travel to beautiful places around the world, have the perfect food or wine pairing, and meet people who inspire me. I pray for Barcelona today for the families that lost loved ones. Most of all, I pray for all of us to find peace in our hearts to let go of any anger, sadness, fear, and hatred we feel towards another. It is my wish for everyone to find their Heaven on this Earth.
This weekend be kind to everyone,
Bonnie
