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Finding Positivity in the World Around Us


In my quest to find positivity and kindness in the world, I have had to be more intentional about paying attention to the inspiring stories in the news. The stories are there, but you have to look carefully. In the past two weeks, I have come across two stories in the news which have helped boost my spirits about the power of positive and generous people. They were both about people that don’t have to choose the attitude that they have. Michael Phelps and Stephen Curry could just as easily escape back into their money, notoriety, and blissful life. They could pridefully view past successes and find discontent in aging. But, they don’t. Both have a different but compelling and admirable story.

Michael Phelps spent the better part of two decades dominating the swimming world, winning 23 gold medals and setting countless world records. Karen Crouse of the New York Times caught up with Phelps recently to discuss the loss of a couple of world records he had lost. Instead of feeling bitter or like he was no longer worthy, Phelps discussed the positives in all the wonderful memories he had of those records, but also now the wonderful life he has built with his wife and two (soon to be 3) children. He admitted not feeling very connected to the sport anymore while being satisfied with being a dad and a husband (“Michael Phelps Is Losing World Records, but He’s Gained Other Treasures”). At points in his life, Phelps’ value was tied up in those records, and now he finds his self-worth in family life. Rather than dwelling on the past and always being the conquering hero from the Olympics, Phelps has humbled himself enough to be content in this new life. This was inspiring to me because we often think that athletes and celebrities have more glamourous and happy lives because of success and money, and while the money is still there that is not where Phelps finds his treasures

Phelps picking up Boomer, 3, while on a morning stroll through the neighborhood.
Meanwhile, NBA star, Stephen Curry has found value in helping others through the money he has earned playing basketball. Recently, Curry announced that he would be donating well over a seven-figure sum of money to fund the men's and women’s golf programs at Howard University, a historic black university (“Stephen Curry to Bankroll Golf’s Return to Howard University”). Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, president of Howard University told Sopan Deb of the New York Times, “Mr. Curry represents what is great about America” (“Stephen Curry to Bankroll Golf’s Return to Howard University”). The significance of this gesture by Curry lies in the fact that golf has historically been dominated by white, wealthy individuals and has not always been accessible to the black or Latino populations. In fact, Deb pointed to one study that found that African American participation has dropped dramatically over the past decade(Diaz and Dom Furore). Curry and Federick hope this will help spark growth in the game for African Americans. As a person who loves golf, I love the fact that Steph Curry is using his means to help grow the game and make it more accessible for more groups of people. Lost in all of the divisive political talk and Twitter trolls is a heartwarming story of a millionaire not just identifying a problem but throwing himself right in the mix and taking action to solve the issue.


I thoroughly enjoyed coming across these stories of positivity and kindness in our chaotic world, and I look forward to continuing this journey in the coming weeks. I have decided that I will also make an effort to use the talents, gifts, and resources that I have to see what positivity and kindness I can spread. I will also report back on that in the coming weeks.


My Reading Life

Just a quick note on my reading life.

I recently finished reading Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng and Born a Crime by Trevor Noah. Both books were really amazing reads and I would love to speak with anyone who has either read these books or are looking for a book recommendation. I feel like both go along with my theme of positivity because they both have a lesson to learn about how we view the world, in different ways. I am so energized by the #40bookchallenge Mrs. Janamanchi and I have undertaken with our classes and I look forward to reflecting in more detail about my reading life in the coming weeks.

Image result for trevor noah book coverImage result for everything I never told you book cover
Works Cited

Diaz, Jaime, and Dom Furore. “‘Don’t You Think Golf Can Use Any Dose of Coolness It Can Get?’ - Golf Digest.” Golf Digest, 30 Oct. 2017, www.golfdigest.com/story/wendell-haskins-is-here-to-make-the-game-look-like-america. Accessed 1 Sept. 2019.

“Michael Phelps Is Losing World Records, but He’s Gained Other Treasures.” The New York Times, 19 Aug. 2019, www.nytimes.com/2019/08/19/sports/michael-phelps-records-family.html. Accessed 1 Sept. 2019.

“Stephen Curry to Bankroll Golf’s Return to Howard University.” The New York Times, 19 Aug. 2019, www.nytimes.com/2019/08/19/sports/golf/stephen-curry-golf-howard-university.html. Accessed 1 Sept. 2019.

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