BREAKING GOOD NEWS!
Goodness abounds, yes, it does.
We don’t hear or read about it enough, but trust me, hatred and evil have got nothing on goodness and kindness in our world.
It has been said that it is the horrific stories that make headlines, and quite frankly, that is true. Newspapers, magazines, television, and social media scramble to break news in their attempts to be the first to offer their take on ongoing incidents.
I am all for free journalism; without it, I would not be writing this 1,303rd post, so bring it on in all its raging color. But wouldn’t it be rewarding to have our day interrupted by breaking news that reports on the good and kind incidents that occur as well?
All right, I’ll do just that. Allow me to introduce you to this wonderful soul who has brought light into the darkness. This is Breaking News of the very best kind.
Sophie Andrews is a person who learned the hard way – one of the hardest – that the best way to help is simply to listen. Sophie was on death’s door – you have to listen to this 14-minute TED talk to learn of the details when a volunteer at the UK’s Samaritan helpline picked up the phone and changed 14-year-old Sophie’s life forever. Years later, Sophie gave back and paid it forward by starting a helpline for some of the most vulnerable people in society who are lonely and without access or means for socialization. Her Silver Line fields thousands of calls a day, making the lives of countless UK senior citizens brighter, fuller, and healthier each year.
Listening – a free resource that is oftentimes not employed when needed the most; listening that actively tunes into the person speaking.
If you are someone who sets resolutions or intentions for the upcoming new year, perhaps practicing the art of listening might be at the top of your 2026 list.
I know it is on mine.
Living: the ultimate team sport 