As you read this, most likely you’re still dealing with some uncertainties connected to COVID-19, not to mention all the unrest happening in our country. And yet, there are good things happening in the midst of uncertain and challenging times. It makes a difference where we place our focus. For example, look at the child in the photo. She looks happy (okay – she knows someone is taking her picture) and her smile gives us a feeling of positivity. She is making the most of going to school, virtually. And it feels good to see her.

Or, how about the next photo? Two complete opposites posing together for a photo. Someone got them to be still and either love or tolerate each other long enough to take the picture. The dog looks calm. Not sure about the cat.

These are just two examples of looking for the good in times of challenges. Tasha Eurich referenced Dewitt Jones in the article we shared earlier this month. So, I purchased his book, Celebrate What’s Right with the World, and it brought a smile to my face looking at the photos he offers to us. The purpose of his book is to relay the message that even in the midst of sadness, chaos, tragedies, and disagreements if we look – we can see something to celebrate. Here is what he says about his work:

“For over twenty years, as a photographer for National Geographic, this was the vision I was charged with capturing. Yes, I photographed some things that were tragic and heart wrenching but my overall job was to find the very best in every person and situation and bring it to light in an image. That vision not only became the way I shoot, but the way I see. And what I see on our little planet is a lot more good than evil; a lot more beauty than ugliness. This is not the prevailing view, however. Every day we seem bombarded with all that’s wrong with society. After a while, we begin to believe it. It takes discipline to buck the tide and see what’s right in our lives and the lives of others. Really, discipline? Yes, really. The discipline of celebration…”

To find the very best in every person and situation and bring it to light in an image, or even a kind word sounds like a reminder for each of us. Perhaps it’s a reminder to not turn our back on what is wrong or challenging, but rather to turn toward those moments of good that surround us all – if we focus our energy in this direction.

As you live each day with challenges and uncertainty, how do you capture and focus on the good that is taking place around you? Perhaps it calls for taking pictures of what brings you joy and sharing it with others.