It feels like 2016 was filled with more than its fair share of heartbreak, as data released by Google Trends illustrates. The search engine’s top trending global news topics in 2016 were:
- U.S. election
- Olympics
- Brexit
- Orlando shooting
- Zika virus
- Panama papers
- Nice terrorist attack
- Brussels terrorist attack
- Dallas shooting
- Kumamoto earthquake
An acquaintance recently shared that she was having a hard time balancing the need to stay informed about current events and feeling overwhelmed by all the horrible things happening in the world.
I can relate to how she feels. So, in an effort to prevent myself from getting “stuck” in feeling overwhelmed, I try to also look for the good — to seek out encouraging people and situations that inspire hope. And, as I am able, I seek to be a source of encouragement to those around me.
If we all do the best we can, where we can, in whatever way we can — we have the opportunity to make a difference, too. Whether we help one person or thousands, we’ve taken action and spread hope.
As 2016 ends and 2017 begins, I encourage all of us — seek out the good… act… choose hope.
Heather B. joined Empathia in 2004 and is a Communications Specialist. She has a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Theological Studies through Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
