When bad news is crucial, good news is vital

As I sit at my desk (my dining room table for isolation-sake) I decided that it would be good to focus on what isn't in the press releases, the updates and the overabundance of information and misinformation that can be found everywhere about the coronavirus and COVID-19. The news is often disheartening, but the information is crucial for those in need and important to keep everyone safe. But it's the inessential good news that may be just as important at times like this.
What doesn't often get shared in briefings and public announcements is that when you don't look at the doom outside the door, you can find that families are spending time together, in ways they never would have otherwise. The same is true of people that are doing things for each other and for their neighbors.
It might be a bit cheesy to say, but you can find examples of people doing things the "North Iowa" way. Families are bonding, whether stuck in their homes or by meeting electronically with each other across the country. Neighbors are helping neighbors by stepping up to provide for each other and by staying in contact.
People are finding ways to be good to each other, because in scary times, being helpful lightens the mood and is good for the spirit.
That's why I encourage everyone, in whatever way you can, to stay informed and updated on the ways to stay safe, but also look for the ways to be helpful and be neighborly and show the North Iowa spirit.
And, as a personal plea, send us examples when you do good or when you know of someone doing good. I know this goes against another North Iowa trait of stubborn humility, but consider sharing the good news its own act of kindness.
Send us examples of how you're spending time and ignoring the bad news for an hour or two. We want to let people know that the virus is changing our world, but not our spirit. We want to see kids having fun. We want to see people exploring talents. We want to see our community being the good place it always has been. And we want to share all of this with Anchor readers. Any pictures or stories can be shared by emailing kris@nwdanchor.com or contactings us on Facebook.
In the meantime, stay informed, but take breaks from the information. Focus on the good news that brings a smile (especially when you find it in the Northwood Anchor.)