Ione Butler - Uplifting Stories:True Tales to Inspire You to Take Action

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Copyright 2020 by Ione Butler

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First Tiller Press trade paperback edition April 2020

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Interior design by Laura Levatino

Jacket design by Patrick Sullivan

Jacket art by Kevin Benevides

Author photo by Damu Malik

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data has been applied for.

ISBN 978-1-9821-3823-3

ISBN 978-1-9821-3824-0 (ebook)

For my mum.

Thank you for all you have done for me.

D o you sometimes despair at the state of the world? Are you disappointed with the people in it? If so, you are not alone. Im sure we can all relate to feeling deflated at times, especially after watching the evening news. Most media outlets stream a steady diet of depressing and scandalous stories, because strife and conflict sells. And its human nature to be drawn to it. In fact, its in our DNA: what scientists call the negativity bias was essential to our survival back in the caveman days, when our ancestors had to be keenly aware of every threat to their safety. But while times have changed, biology hasnt. Its what keeps us devouring the news and in a constant state of stress.

This relentless consumption can be seriously detrimental to our mental health, and even our physical health. Psychologist Graham Davey says, Negative news can significantly change an individuals moodespecially if there is a tendency in the news broadcasts to emphasize suffering and also the emotional components of the story. In particular, negative news can affect your own personal worries. Viewing negative news means that youre likely to see your own personal worries as more threatening and severe.

In fact, it was this realization, that what we consume has such a profound effect on us, that led me to create Uplifting Content in 2016a social media platform, blog, podcast, and now a book with a twofold mission: 1. to uplift humanity by creating and sharing inspiring media, and 2. to empower people to take positive action in their lives.

I started it, in part, for my own benefit, because most of my life Ive dealt with depression. When I was feeling low, Id seek out inspiring movies, TV shows, and online content, but they were surprisingly difficult to find. I also learned some sad and shocking statisticsthat nearly 1 in 5 American adults, or 60 million people, suffer from mental health issues. That there are 123 suicides per day in the United States; thats one every 11 minutes. And that for every successful attempt, there are 25 failed attempts.

People are struggling. Ive developed strategies over the years to cope with depression, and positive narratives are a huge part of that. I couldnt believe how quickly they improved my mood and emotional well-being, and I was called to gather healing messages and share them with the millions of people who needed to hear them.

Because its not all doom and gloom. You might be surprised to learn that in the last sixty years, the percentage of the world population living in extreme poverty (surviving on $1.90 a day or less) shrank from 50 percent to 10. Life expectancy rose by twenty years. Global literacy rates have also jumped, from 36 percent in 1950 to 83 percent today. Vastly more people today have rights, conveniences, and protections they never would have dreamed of only twenty years ago. Again, though it might not feel like it, even racism, sexism, and homophobia are on the decline across the board.

If you want to improve your mood, a great place to start is by shifting the narrative. Yes, there are awful people in the world doing horrendous things, but there are also millions upon millions of hardworking parents, friends, citizens, and public servants doing their best to help others. Some of them are the unsung heroes youre about to meet in this book. Its about perspective, paying more attention to things that bring you joy and focusing less on what brings you down.

So heres an experiment for you. Try not watchingor reading, or listening tothe news for a week, and see how you feel. I guarantee that the world will not stop spinning because youre no longer tuning in. And when you stop letting all that negativity seep into your subconscious, youll feel so much better.

And while youre on your news hiatus, enjoy this book. I want to offer you a different lens through which to view the world, and the people in it.

YOU CAN EITHER read it cover to cover or read stories from the relevant chapters to help with whatever you are going through. For example, if youre feeling a little lonely or having a disagreement with a loved one, read the stories from the Human Connection chapter.

If you feel like youd like to give something back, the Acts of Service stories will inspire you to get started. If you are faced with an overwhelming challenge, the stories from the Overcoming Adversity chapter will remind you that you can persevere. If you have an idea to challenge the status quo or want to take a stand for what you believe in, the Game-Changers stories are the ones to turn to. If youre feeling stuck in a rut at work, the Pursuing Your Passions and Purpose chapter will get your creative juices flowing. And the stories from the chapter on The Unimaginable will blow your mind when you realize what human beings are truly capable of.

I want these stories to not only lift you up, but also inspire you to take action. At the end of every story, youll find recommended exercises from either the interviewee or me. They might entail something as simple as smiling at someone on the street or something a bit more difficult, like tackling an issue that matters to you. So grab a notebook, a pen, and a highlighter, take notes, and follow through. Id love to hear how you get on with the exercises, so please share your success and wins with me on social media @ionebutler.

My hope is that this book and the stories in it remind you of what is achievable. I believe you have unlimited potential. You can make great changes in your life, fulfill your dreams, and make a positive impact on the lives of others and on our planet, if you so desire. Humanity is at a crossroads, and we need you to keep shining your light and sharing your gifts, not to succumb to despair and fear.

So settle in, turn off your phone, and enjoy.

Much love,

Ione

Human connection is the most vital aspect of our existence, without the sweet touch of another being, we are lonely stars in an empty space waiting to shine gloriously.