Develop hope by believing that humanity can collectively make the world better and be a source of good news for one another. Hope is essential to combat despair, which can be debilitating and make it hard to live.
Acknowledge systemic injustices and suffering, but simultaneously recognize real progress made through collective effort. Understand that we are in the middle of history, not the end, and it’s our shared responsibility to fight for a better future together.
Seek meaning and positive emotion by embracing suffering with a sense of duty, curiosity, and kindness, instead of avoiding discomfort. This approach allows for wonder even in difficult situations and is a path to happiness.
Confront current problems with earnestness and hope, choosing vulnerability over irony as a protective mechanism. While hard, earnestness and vulnerability are more effective for engagement than ironic detachment.
Transform feelings of anger and frustration into collective action within a community to reduce suffering and create positive impact. This is an appropriate and effective way to respond to injustice and work towards a better world.
Engage in small, concrete actions to address problems you care about, like calling a senator or supporting a cause. This agency not only does good but also boosts your own hope and sense of efficacy.
Engage in political advocacy by contacting your elected representatives through calls or emails about critical issues like global health and diseases of injustice. This outreach makes a tangible difference as representatives respond to constituent input.
Contribute financially to organizations like givedirectly.org.tv to provide treatment for tuberculosis. This helps combat the scandal of needless deaths from a curable disease.
Offer consistent support, love, and practical help, such as regular visits and food, to those suffering from illness. This crucial support combats isolation and can be vital for survival.
Combat the stigma around diseases by advocating for their curability and universal access to treatment. Stigma makes illness harder to bear and dehumanizes those suffering.
Select a specific problem or cause to concentrate your efforts on, rather than attempting to address all global issues at once. This focused approach allows for more effective agency and contributes to collective problem-solving.
Actively cultivate a sense of awe and wonder, even when facing challenging circumstances. Awe is an underrated and readily available positive emotion that can be a powerful counter to suffering.
Identify and engage in small, personal sources of joy, regardless of their perceived productivity. These ’little things’ are crucial for personal happiness and well-being.
Seek joy and human connection through humor, including gallows humor, even amidst suffering and dire circumstances. Humor is a fundamental human trait that provides moments of delight and connection.
Allow and encourage individuals to share their illness experiences in their unique ways, including through humor, recognizing that sick people remain fully human. This respects their agency, fosters connection, and aids coping.
When encountering difficult or emotional content, remember that you don’t need to fully internalize or feel everything others do. This helps maintain emotional boundaries and prevents burnout or overwhelming despair.
Recognize and actively shed outdated self-perceptions or behaviors that no longer align with your current age or experience. This practice enables personal growth and allows you to act more authentically.
Initiate a two-person book club with someone you wish to connect with, and share your highlighted passages. This can foster deep connection and even lead to romantic relationships.
Celebrate the act of being present and together in community, even when the purpose of existence is uncertain or circumstances are difficult. This communal celebration can transform feelings of pointlessness into hope and reinforce connection.
Actively work to increase the overall level of ‘world awesome’ in addition to decreasing ‘world suck.’ Both efforts are important for improving the world and maintaining personal well-being.