April Newsletter: Welcome to the Good News Newsletter!

Greetings to all my valued readers on this beautiful first day of April! As we all know, this day is widely celebrated as April Fool's Day, but this newsletter is no April Fool’s joke! Instead, I wanted to bring you something different and refreshing. Instead of tricking you with a prank, I am here to share some genuinely good news with you that will hopefully bring a smile to your face. We live in a world where we are constantly bombarded with negative news, and it can be difficult to remain optimistic in the face of so much negativity. But even though the media seems to thrive on sensationalizing the worst news possible, I believe by choosing what you want to read and adjusting your settings accordingly, thus creating a more balanced input, it is possible to be less overwhelmed by gloomy news!

I am not playing Pollyanna and ignoring important issues of our time, I write about these and try to offer resources and help daily. But today, I want to focus on the positive and bring you a newsletter that is all about good news, to uplift and inspire my community by sharing stories of hope, progress, and kindness from around the world. I believe that by highlighting the good in the world, I can encourage others to do the same and create a ripple effect of positivity. From heartwarming stories of individuals making a difference in their communities to innovative solutions to global challenges, I will be bringing you a variety of stories that showcase the best of humanity. In addition, I will be taking a look back at some of my earlier posts and highlighting the importance of remaining kind and positive. Finally, I am excited to share some personal good news with you as my life has undergone several positive transformations in recent times! 

So, sit back, relax, and prepare to be inspired! I hope that this newsletter will bring a much-needed ray of sunshine into your day and remind you that there is still so much good in the world. Let's celebrate the positive and spread the joy!

Cred. The Power of Positivity, by Dreya Novak 

Now more than ever, it is crucial that we share the good news in the world. Why, you may ask? 

1. It promotes positive thinking: when people consume positive news, it can boost their mood and promote positive thinking! 

2. It reduces anxiety and stress: Negative news can trigger anxiety and stress in people, whereas positive news can help reduce those feelings. When people are less stressed, they are more likely to be productive and make better decisions.

3. It fosters a sense of community: Sharing good news can bring people together and foster a sense of community. When people hear positive stories, it can inspire them to take action and make positive changes in their own lives.

4. It inspires hope: Positive news stories can inspire hope and optimism for the future. When people see examples of positive change happening in the world, it can motivate them to believe that change is possible and to take action toward that change.

So, let’s begin! Since the start of 2023, so many wonderful shifts have happened in the world. I thought I would highlight a few, some of which are drawn from this fantastic article! 

Firstly, there are more electric cars on the road than in 2022! The world is undergoing an electric vehicle revolution, with Norway leading the charge with 80% of cars sold last year being electric. In 2022, 7.8 million electric vehicles were sold worldwide, surpassing projections with a year-on-year growth of 68% while overall auto sales fell by 1%. China leads the pack with one in every three new cars sold being electric. The shift away from combustion engines is happening faster than expected, offering a really promising future for the environment! 

Furthermore, coal-based power is decreasing globally! The United States just celebrated its first year with renewable energy generating more power than coal, marking a significant milestone in history. Coal plants are becoming increasingly difficult to fund and insure worldwide. This trend means a clear shift towards clean and sustainable energy sources, announcing hope for a brighter and greener future.

I was also excited to hear that our beloved bees just had a win! The highest court in the European Union has banned all exemptions to a regulation that outlaws three pesticides lethal to honeybees! Plus, new regulations now prohibit the importation of any food or feed containing significant levels of bee-killing pesticide residue into Europe. This move is hopefully going to discourage the use of such pesticides in other parts of the world as well! As beekeeping enthusiasts, Graham and I are ecstatic to hear this news. Equally, we are terribly worried about the situation in the UK. Hopefully, the lobbying by U.K. bee-keepers like the wonderful Graham will ensure that as the U.K. is no longer in the EU, British farmers do not reintroduce these banned substances back into the country 

Exciting developments have also emerged in cancer research! Worldwide Cancer Research announced in February that they are funding 30 new groundbreaking ideas from exceptional cancer researchers, totaling an incredible ￡6.2 million. These funds will lead to the development of more life-saving methods to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. As someone who has experienced the loss of a loved one to cancer at a young age, cancer research holds a great deal of personal significance. 

There have been huge strides in women's rights, including progress in access to safe and legal abortions. Several countries passed pro-choice legislation in 2022, while the US faced a setback with the Supreme Court's decision to strike down Roe v. Wade. However, voters retaliated against the anti-abortion GOP during the midterm elections, leading to victories in places like deep-red Kansas. In January 2023, the FDA expanded access to medication abortion, and New York and Virginia lawmakers voted to codify abortion rights in their state constitutions!  These wins offer hope for continued progress toward gender equality and reproductive rights! 

Also, some exciting news about women's health! In March, a study revealed that the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) worldwide dropped by approximately 34% between 2000 and 2020, indicating significant progress in reducing maternal deaths during childbirth. These advancements are a testament to the efforts made to improve maternal health and the continued importance of prioritizing women's healthcare.

Recent developments have also led to increased representation in leadership and more inclusive workplaces. In February, several major companies, including Microsoft and Coca-Cola, pledged to improve diversity and inclusion in their workplaces, setting specific goals to increase the representation of women and people of color in leadership positions, and demonstrating a real commitment to creating more inclusive and equitable workplaces. 

I loved this Forbes article highlighting extraordinary women all over the world who are disrupting industries and advocating for deep changes! Have a look and scroll through these incredible profiles. 

Also enjoyed this article explaining that the world’s top three happiest countries are led by women! Special shoutout to Finland, led by the wonderful Prime Minister Sanna Marin, which was crowned as the happiest population in the world! 

I was also so touched to see that Everything Everywhere All at Once made history at the Oscars by sweeping all major categories. Michelle Yeoh, who won Best Actress, became the first Asian woman to achieve this feat. Ke Huy Quan won Best Supporting Actor for his role in the same film. Nguyen emphasized that this moment must not be brief, adding, "We can't let this be a 15-second thing". The film is absolutely incredible and has been widely praised all over the world for its representation and diverse storytelling. However, it is essential to ensure that this moment creates long-lasting change in the industry and not just a momentary buzz! 

As an advocate for diversity and inclusion for more than 30 years, these advancements in representation and inclusivity are particularly significant to me. It is heartening to see progress being made toward creating a more equitable society, and I am encouraged by the commitments made by companies and the strides made in politics. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that everyone has a fair and equal opportunity to succeed, and I remain dedicated to promoting EDI in all areas of life! 

It is important to acknowledge that while these recent developments are positive steps towards progress, there is still so much work to be done in the areas of environmental policy, gender equality, women's health, EDI, etc. While small achievements have been made, they do not mean that all battles have been won by far. There is still a long way to go in achieving true equality and equity for all individuals, and completely shifting our relationship with the planet, and it is vital that we continue to prioritize these issues and work toward meaningful change. As we celebrate these milestones, we should also remember the work that still needs to be done and remain committed to advancing these important causes.

I read an absolutely fantastic book called Ikagi, The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles. "Ikigai" is a Japanese concept that can lead to a happy and fulfilling life. This book is so inspiring and beautifully illustrated. It emphasizes the simplicity of purpose, such as doing what you're good at and what the world needs, eating lightly and well, exercising regularly, living in the moment, giving back to the community through volunteering, and spending time with real friends. It helps readers to discover their own Ikigai and make changes in their lives accordingly. I highly recommended this book to those looking to love living life, and looking to be more positive! 

I also wanted to share my previous newsletter on the importance of kindness! This newsletter contains several posts that offer support, advice, and inspiration for increasing resilience and promoting positivity. I believe that showing kindness and grace every day is crucial, whether we are giving or receiving it. The newsletter begins with a beautiful quote about friendship that I received, which has stood the test of time:

"Friendship is not formed at a specific moment. It is like filling a vessel drop by drop, where eventually, a single drop causes it to overflow. Similarly, in a series of acts of kindness, there is one that ultimately fills the heart to the brim."

This quote, by James Boswell, truly captures the essence of kindness and its impact on our relationships. Being kind and positive are closely intertwined, as showing kindness to others can bring about a sense of joy and fulfillment that contributes to our own positivity.

Do give the newsletter a read, and share your thoughts! 

Also wanted to share my post on strengthening your emotional fitness. For many years I have been championing the importance of emotional fitness and helping myself and others work on the component elements, so reading this interview with Dr. Anhalt, a world leader in this field was truly exciting:

https://lnkd.in/gdzYrSf

The key tips I highlight to you are:

1. It may surprise you but I think and worry a lot! I have increased my productivity by scheduling a dedicated “worry hour” in a ringfenced space early morning, my most buoyant time, to focus on what is on my mind and what I do about it!

2. Building resilience with my “self-esteem file” a place where I collect all the positive, kind, and meaningful inputs I receive so I can revisit when I am low! Strong self-confidence is a key ingredient to pushing through setbacks and failure.

3. Improve communication with remojis to convey emotional information quickly online and use it with your work team, family, friends, or partner. For example:

?? I’ve got your back!

?? This is a prickly subject

?? I see how hard you’re working

?? I don’t feel like talking yet

?? I’m stuck in my head

Emotional fitness plays a crucial role in maintaining positivity as it allows us to effectively manage our emotions, build resilience, and develop a positive outlook on life, even during difficult times.

Now, for more news! I wanted to share some of the positive developments in my own life, MY GOOD NEWS! 

Our grandson Baby True has turned 1 year old, and our other grandson Baby Barney is 7 months old. Both are doing well and are happy and healthy.

Graham and I are making progress in our Thai language learning journey. It's good news, which translates to khàao dii in Thai! 

My Academy for Youth with Potential is expanding with new students and fabulous teachers with a recent fabulous donation of children’s books - thank you Ann Jameson & Jason Jameson.

Mission Beyond is at a major positive inflection point with fabulous helpers at GreenKing, Microsoft, and Avanade plus a wonderful group of private donors, thank you all

Another huge birthday celebration for my Mum which we will all enjoy with three generations toasting her good news! 

My daily meditation is helping my clarity balance and overall well-being 

Moving to Spring Farm next week that we transition to an off-grid, carbon-neutral home this year 

I’ve always believed that celebrating achievements, no matter how big or small is an absolutely essential part of leading a fulfilling life. We have to acknowledge our accomplishments, no matter how minor they may seem, and take a moment to reflect on the progress we have made towards achieving our goals. Celebrating achievements not only feels good but can also help create a truly positive mindset! Staying positive can be a challenge, especially in difficult times, but it's crucial to focus on the good and look for opportunities to grow and improve. A positive attitude will increase resilience, making it easier to overcome obstacles and bounce back from setbacks. So take a moment to think about the good news in your life. What can you celebrate today? 

Finally, I had to give a shoutout to the incredible Good News Network, who inspired me for the good news newsletter in the first place! For more than two decades, the Good News Network has served as a remedy to the inundation of negativity found in the mainstream media, and millions of individuals have turned to it. GNN is the top-ranked website for good news on Google due to its lengthy history, resilience, and public confidence. The website features an archive of 21,000 positive news stories from all around the world, confirming what individuals already know—that good news is plentiful, but the broadcasting of it is scarce! So thank you to the Good News Network, for reminding me that there is plenty of good in this world. 

As we navigate today, a day of pranks and jokes, I would encourage you to reflect on the significance of cultivating positivity, kindness, and a positive outlook towards the world and those around us. I hope that this newsletter has shed light on some positive news and inspired you to make a difference in the world. Remember to prioritize emotional fitness and seek support whenever you need it. Also, don't forget to celebrate and share your own personal good news, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. Everyone has something to be proud of and acknowledging these victories can truly help to foster a positive mindset and encourage others to do the same! 

As always, feel free to reach out to me with any insights or questions! Let's continue spreading positivity and kindness wherever we go!

With love, 

Harriet Green

#love #joy #positivity #happiness #goodvibes #news #goodhabits #positivemindset #positiveattitude #positivevibes