This is how you keep your spirits up!

In these troubled times, the world sometimes seems to be carrying a heavy burden. Climate change, looming conflicts, polarization—it seems like it won’t stop. And then the warnings from politicians: “Prepare.” It can be overwhelming. Yet there are also bright spots, because amid all these challenges, people remain hopeful and resilient.

In our December newsletter, we asked how you’re keeping your spirits up. The responses poured in: from heartwarming anecdotes to inspiring tips. It shows how we all find our own way to make the world a little brighter—for ourselves and for each other. Below is a selection of the wonderful responses we received:

• The power of nature and adventure:
  “Waveskiing on the North Sea, especially when the weather is cold and nasty!” someone wrote. Braving the elements provides not only a physical boost, but also a mental one.A volunteer says: “I’m actively leading two senior cycling groups. Cycling not only keeps your body healthy, but it also clears your head and takes the worries of the country and the world to the background for a while. It’s wonderful to see how everyone enjoys the rides, the social interaction, and the camaraderie. Wonderful!”
• Love for others.
  Many of you find strength in helping others. One volunteer shared: “I’ve been working as a contact person for the MS Association in Amsterdam for 15 years. By listening to others’ stories, I give them courage – and that gives me strength too.”Another writes: “My heart is a garden full of roses in a world full of thorns. I give love, attention, and warmth to everyone I meet—whether they are sad or happy. A kind look, a short conversation—it helps us together make the world a little warmer.”
• The power of positivity and reflection.
  “I don’t get angry about anything,” someone shares, “but I stay calm in every situation. That ensures that my strength doesn’t turn into weakness.”Others find their strength in contemplation and creativity: “Every now and then I have a detox day – no news, no social media. Then I draw, paint, or write in my notebook what I’m grateful for. That gives me new energy.”

  Someone else adds: “I name at least three things I’m grateful for every day. That helps me enormously to keep my spirits up.”

• Finding peace in the “here and now.”
  For some, avoiding unnecessary stress is key: “Don’t follow the news,” one woman writes. “It saves you tons of unnecessary tension. What good is knowing that things ‘might’ happen? It’s better to focus on the ‘here and now.’ You might not be here tomorrow, and you’ll have worried for nothing.”
• Together we are stronger.
  “I surround myself with people who give me energy: my partner, family, and friends, but also the people I volunteer for. The smile I get after a relief effort is worth its weight in gold.”
• Faith and Hope
  Some draw courage from inner convictions: “One must believe in something—in oneself, in a goal, or in success. That belief is my guarantee of self-confidence.”Eye contact also plays a major role in maintaining hope: “When someone looks back—with a smile or even with tears—I know there’s a connection. That gives me hope. Without contact, there’s no hope.”
• The power of simplicity
  “Watching less news and volunteering. As an energy coach, cook at a homeless shelter, or volunteer with the Sailwise foundation, I bring smiles to faces. And that makes my world a brighter place.”

Thanks for your responses! These answers show that there are always ways to keep your spirits up. Whether it’s through action, reflection, or connection: together we can make a difference. Who knows, you might even inspire someone else! From the entries, we’ll choose three people who can expect a nice VVV gift certificate on their doorstep soon.