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8 Reasons to Choose Hope Over Fear

Here is a reminder of why life as you know it is better than you think.

Source: The New York Public Library/Unsplash
Source: The New York Public Library/Unsplash

Choosing hope over fear isn't always easy. But it is always possible. Sometimes all we need is a little perspective to remind ourselves of how well we've got it in the world as we know it.

It doesn't mean the world is perfect or that everything is easy. It just means that there has been a lot of progress and we should not forget that. Instead, we should celebrate it.

Here are eight reasons to help you do exactly that.

1. Medicine has never been as advanced as it is today.

Yes, we haven't figured it all out yet. Yes, we still need more COVID-19 treatments and cancer continues to be a part of many people's lives. But it is way better than it was 50 years ago, 10 years ago, even one year ago. Every day, new discoveries are being made to ensure we can live happy, healthy lives as long as possible. Remind yourself of this and send a thank you in your head to everyone who works in this field.

2. Technology is progressing faster than ever.

Who knew that we'd be able to video call our loved ones from a small device that fits into our palms? Who knew the world would be connected through this incredible thing called the world wide web, educating us and informing us in ways like never before? Who knew that space travel, self-driving cars, sustainable sources of energy, and so much more was possible? Well, it is. So much is. It's a wonderful thing to be a part of these great steps of progress in humankind.

3. Huge leaps in our fight for equality have been made.

The pay gap between men and women has improved. In some companies and industries, the gap doesn't even exist anymore. Racism has gone down and our fight against it is stronger than ever. More and more places in the world are allowing people to marry and adopt regardless of sexual orientation. Yes, being treated differently due to gender, race, or sexual orientation still happens. But not like before. It is improving and will continue to do so as long as we keep fighting for it.

4. We have a stronger voice, both individually and collectively.

Social media and the online world have made speaking up easier than ever. Sure, it has its weaknesses with trolling and such, and, unfortunately, there are still some parts of the world that don't allow a voice. But more places do than don't. More voices are being heard than before.

5. Our career choices are more diverse.

The corporate path is no longer the automatic norm and entrepreneurship is on the rise. Setting up a website can make your business visible immediately and there are countless resources out there to help you get started. No, it's still not easy and, yes, you will still have to work hard. But, in the big scheme of things, it's a lot easier than it was two decades ago and you could be calling all the shots in your career by starting your own business if you wanted to.

6. Animal testing is lower than ever.

This might not sound like a big deal to everyone, but, as an avid animal lover, it's fantastic. Why should poor, innocent creatures from a different species suffer for our sake? Fortunately, less and less do.

7. There are more and more environmentally friendly options out there.

Be it building sustainably, sourcing renewable energy, opting for a hybrid car, or buying organic, local produce. Yes, it's not perfect, but, just like with the other things on this list, it's better than before. It's easier than ever to change what we eat, how we shop, or how we travel to be more sustainable. Think about this. Our planet needs all the help she can get.

8. We are no longer cave(wo)men living in caves.

Instead, we have houses. We have plumming. We have electricity. We have water. We have heating. We have access to more food than ever. Yes, it's not like this in every part of the world but it is continuously getting better. Let's not forget where we came from and how far we've come.

The key here is to remember that 'Rome wasn't built in a day' and that the world can't turn into some perfect, magical, fairyland overnight. What it can do, however, is to progress. And that is exactly what it's doing, and will keep doing, as long as you keep pushing for the progress.

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