The stock market is advancing to new highs, the Senate voted to extend unemployment benefits, divorce and infidelity scandals rage on, earthquakes around the world cause massive destruction and loss of life, and thousands are left stranded because of a volcano eruption in Iceland. It’s just another day filled with the contradictions of modern life and our personal and collective suffering.

But is it? Everywhere around us there people trying to help one another, to start new businesses, to generate art, beauty and value in their lives. The spirit of generosity and creativity is alive and well.

Tune out the news and media chatter on occasion and look around at the simple examples of people helping one another through trying times.  Keep an eye out for signs of enterprise, for those people building from a foundation of principle and purpose. Goodness is here, everywhere—it’s just obscured by the drama of life.  Witnessing goodness and kindness can’t take away the pain, but it can balance our view of the world.

Today, I saw a vet care lovingly for a sick pet. I ate a wonderful lunch cooked with pride. I complimented a rural wine store owner on his marvelous collection of wines and watched as he glowed with pride. A neighbor offered me plants for my garden, I spoke with a business colleague who gave me valuable advice and I listened to the laughter and friendship of another neighbor’s dinner party. When a friend visited with a gift of a homemade dinner, I was surprised to see that her long beautiful hair was cut short. “I donated my hair to Locks of Love,” she said.

Simple stuff.  Amazingly simple and good.

Do you pay attention to the goodness around you?