All Things Inspired

Yet, I think to myself, what a wonderful world we live in!

What a world we live in today. For the common person, the complex fusing of a fast-paced society, global political uncertainty, personal economical strains, and a defeatist based social media streams have caused a significant increase in daily stress in our communities. As recent as 2023, a Gallup poll found an outcome of over half of women and nearly half of men in the United States reported feeling frequent stress in their daily lives. Our lives can be taxing. The problems that cause our stress can seem like they pull us down as if we are in quicksand. Yet, I think to myself, what a wonderful world we live in!

So, what I described in the opening paragraph came across as chaotic and troubling, wouldn't you agree?. You maybe thinking, how can I possibly think to myself, what a wonderful world we live in? Well, that is a relevant question. I believe it all depends on the lens by which you choose to view the world. Yes, everything I mentioned in the opening paragraph is happening in our world today, as you may also see it. However, many of those things are cynicisms or skepticisms that I cannot control. So, I choose to look at the world through a lens of hope, optimism, and simply finding the things of beauty around me rather than focusing on chaos and conflict.

I chose the title of this article based on one of the most appropriate songs I've ever heard in relation to this topic. I'm sure most of you have heard the song by Louis Armstrong, What a Wonderful World. I'm going to include the lyrics of his song below. As you read through this, really give thought to how simply we can find appreciation in the things and people around us.

What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong

I see trees of green

Red roses too

I see them bloom

For me and you

And I think to myself

What a wonderful world,

I see skies of blue

And clouds of white

The bright blessed day

The dark sacred night

And I think to myself

What a wonderful world,

The colors of the rainbow

So pretty in the sky

Are also on the faces

Of people going by

I see friends shaking hands

Saying, "How do you do?"

They're really saying

I love you

I hear babies cry

I watch them grow

They'll learn much more

Than I'll ever know

And I think to myself

What a wonderful world

Yes, I think to myself

What a wonderful world

Ooh, yes

As you read through those lyrics, could you imagine some things that are beautiful to you? I'd like to think that the words of this song are a message to all of us that when we are bombarded with the havoc of our world, that we can have hope of better times, share moments of kindness with others whose circumstances may be unbeknownst to us.

The fact remains the same. There will also be chaos and stressful situations we encounter in life. The choice is up to you. Do you view the world around you through a lens of despair, or a lens of optimism and hope?

I challenge you this week to be optimistic and really take notice of the beautiful world around you. I'll bet you this week that you won't be able to get this song out of your head and you catch yourself singing it out loud. But that's okay! Go ahead and sing it out loud. I guarantee it will make you feel better! It did for me! Have a wonderful week and remember...

Be inspired! Inspire others!