Hearted

Columnists, Kim Somers Egelsee — By Laurel Janssen Byrne on June 20, 2025 at 2:25 am

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By Laurel Janssen Byrne

A local friend of mine recently posted this request on his socials:

“I think we’re all used to seeing negative posts…does anyone have something positive they’d like to share or celebrate?”

We’re all guilty of posting a ranting complaint or a frustration with no solution. And when your social followers read and digest your frustration, that negativity clings, resonating and festering within them, spreading to yet more friends and followers. And so on, and so on. I am absolutely guilty of this very posting of vented emotion. My guess is you are as well.

He’s right – with our current divided climate, Negativity’s potent virility spawns easily. So does Positivity.

His unexpected request caused me to smile. Immediately I replied, “I’m a contributing author in a book about Positivity this year. How’s that for positive? Also, my backyard is ready for you and your family to come swimming.”

In turn, as you do, he hearted my response. I felt instantly happier. Hearted! What’s better than having your reply hearted by a friend?

His post was so successful throughout the day, each friend and follower contributing something lovely and uplifting.

One day. One post. One quick response. One heart.

How easily he shifted me into Positivity. How seamlessly my vibration resonated upward, my awareness of the power of my words clearer.

Words matter.

Imagine if we used that same viral approach to each facet of our days, our careers, our lives. Our families are often the recipients of our vented frustrations, rather than our compliments and gratitude. They are our “let down” people. Yet they deserve our fresh optimism and attempts to spread joy.

Imagine if shifting the current divided climate could begin with something as readily available as a quick, kind word. Or a simple heart.

In no way would it hurt.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. George Carlin

Laurel Janssen Byrne is a journalist, writer and best-selling author.

She is featured in Kim Somers Egelsee’s book, “Becoming Happy: 30 Ways to Heal Your Mind, Body and Soul.”