Five Things To Be Happy About in Times of Negativity

Hi guys.

Today I wanted to contribute to the thousands of examples of uplifting, positive art and writing that many great people have been contributing into the world since the pandemic. Like many of us, I would not exactly call my lockdown experience a positive one; family illness, my masters degree, and my relationships with my family and friends are some of the things that have been tested during this time, and some days have felt unbearable.

Despite all of this, I want to shine light on the positive things going on in both my personal life and the world, because it is in these positive things that we can find a light to focus on, to get ourselves through these unprecedented times. If any of you are having bad days at this time, just know that it’s totally understandable and that your feelings are valid. Tomorrow will be better!

1. The Success of the Black Lives Matter Movement 

After the tragic death of George Floyd, it seemed that racism was at such a point that certain people and places in the world could never return from. I am sure I am not alone in thinking that when all of this came to a head on social media, it seemed like an impossible fight. Whilst there is still such a long way to go before true equality is achieved, the way in which so many have come together to support the human rights of black people is astounding and very encouraging. The petitions we all signed are beginning to take affect, money is being donated, and justice is slowly but surely drawing closer.

Photo creds @michae1patrick

All black people want is to exercise the basic human rights that white people have taken for granted their entire lives. The fight should not be this difficult, but I have every faith in our generation and the liberal attitudes we express, that we are moving the world into a more accepting, more tolerant place, and that is very exciting. Keep raising your voice, keep singing petitions and donating if you have the means. Do not let this be a social media phase that goes away. Us young people have the power and influence to one day make this world what we want it to be. Some may never see things how we do, but there are enough of us for each of our voices to matter. Do your research, the fight is ongoing and can be won if we continue in this direction. We have done brilliantly so far but we NEED to keep going.

ARREST THE OFFICERS THAT KILLED BREONNA TAYLOR

2. The Release of Florence Given’s Debut Book ‘Women Don’t Owe You Pretty’

The extremely talented social media activist and artist Florence Given is someone I have followed for many years, and have lapped up all of the advice and inspirational quotes that she has graciously released into the world. When I heard last year that she would be releasing a book, I immediately pre-ordered and had been excited for its arrival to my door ever since.

Photo creds @florencegiven

I am yet to finish the book, but can already confidently add myself to the many many positive reviews that she is rightfully receiving. Florence does an excellent job of unpacking her life and her choices, and from that giving women the most valuable, unfiltered advice. Given makes you realise the unacceptable patriarchal norms that we simply take for granted and accept as girls and women, and slaps you in the face with some often uncomfortable, but completely necessary truths. All the things that we are ashamed to admit we do or have done as women, such as comparing ourselves to other women in order to improve our self esteem, or consciously wanting to satisfy the male gaze, or recognising our toxic behaviours in relationships and friendships - all of these things, Florence admits to, and tells us how she grew from that and how we can too. Mistakes are the only way that we can learn and grow into the best version of ourselves, and this book is the perfect place to start that growth.

3. Bob Dylan Released an Album of New Songs, for the First Time in 8 Years

As the daughter of a huge Bob Dylan fan, I have grown up with his music and continue to be a huge fan to this day. Hearing that he had written and would be releasing new music for the first time in eight years was hugely exciting news, and the music has not disappointed whatsoever. Dylan truly is one of the greatest poets to live and his words in this album particularly are so poignant, and conjured a very emotional response from me when I first listened.

Being a fan of someone who has had such a long and successful career such as Dylan when you are much younger than him, it can sometimes feel like I did not live through his peak, or the release of some of his best work. Therefore, for him to release something new and brilliant in my lifetime for me to absorb (and share with my dad) was very special and meant a lot to me in such a difficult time.

I know this is more of a personal positive event, but I would highly recommend giving ‘Rough and Rowdy Ways’ a listen, in the hope that it makes you happy too.

4. Animal Crossing Exists

Who knew that Nintendo were going to release the wholesome delight that is ‘Animal Crossing New Horizons’ at a time when we really needed some positivity in our lives. For those of you who are lucky enough to have a Switch (I understand that this is an expensive privilege so apologies if I sound ignorant here), then you may know how nice it is to spend some time completely escaping life and diving into your AC island. Whether it be catching fish and bugs, growing flowers or planting trees, the escapism from reality that I feel and have felt through this entire pandemic by playing this game has been invaluable.

Though playing video games is often cynically associated with being childish and a waste of time, I would totally defend that immersing yourself into a fantasy is a therapeutic, fun way to briefly put reality to one side, and I honestly don’t know how I would have mentally coped without that vice. Whilst people do take the game to the extreme sometimes and take it very seriously, if you do play it, I would suggest taking a chilled approach to it, and honestly you will enjoy the wholesome escapism it provides.

5. Walks, Bike Rides, and Appreciating Nature

With public transport being a big no go for the first half of the pandemic and not having a car myself, walks and bike rides have become my vice for getting around and staying sane. Doing at least one long walk a day and aiming to reach 10,000 steps each day, I have found a new love and appreciation for a simple walk and taking in my surroundings. With a park at the end of my road, I am lucky to have a lovely walk of a decent length right on my doorstep, and this is how me and my mum have been getting our exercise most days. I have also been riding my bike for the first time in years, and have found it to be a fun way to not only get around safely, but get in some decent exercise too.

Even now that I am back at work and having to use transport, I am still eager to walk every day and feel lacking if I don’t. Even getting the bus to my bubble at my boyfriend’s house, I encourage him to come on a walk around his neighbourhood with me (it’s not like usual date venues are really on the cards right now lol), and I have genuinely gotten a thrill from walking on new routes, discovering new roads with cool houses, and chatting away as we go. It couldn’t be more basic a thing, but I am appreciating that time now more than I ever would have before.


Those are a few things that I hope you can find positivity in at such a largely negative time right now. I know the issues going on in the world right now seem bigger than all of us, but finding happiness in the little things we might usually take for granted is a way to escape reality for a while, and keep ourselves happy and sane, because we all deserve that.

H x