Column: Seek out the goodness that's all around you

I love neuroscience and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work so closely with a field of science I didn’t know existed when my mother was diagnosed with a neurological disease. Her diagnosis of cerebellar ataxia propelled me into the life I have today. My family health history pushed me to care about brain health and our nervous system. I’m thankful it led me to the Self-Healing Communities of Greater Michiana movement, which aims to teach everyone about the neuroscience of resilience and to celebrate our collective strengths. All my columns point to the movement’s mission, vision or goal.

I’ve had the honor to speak to organizations and clubs doing beautiful, but often taxing work. I’ve met with individuals connected with SCAN (Stop Childhood Abuse and Neglect), professionals aiding our older community members and their caregivers navigate the aging process and making end-of-life plans and many others doing great work to help our community thrive. Every presentation connects my team members and me with so much goodness happening across our region.

Many of the staff working in organizations focused on helping others patiently listen to stories of mistreatment and harm; every one of these people are protective factors in our communities! Protective factors help to reduce the negative impacts stress can have on our nervous system and overall well-being. They help people facing difficulties find ways to smile, feel valued and become resilient.

There's goodness all around us; we just need to be intentional about seeking it. If it isn’t easy for you to find, start to actively seek it out. Children are naturally curious, but as adults, we often become less so, sticking with the familiar even if it's not what we want. Learning about the positive developments in our communities can help our nervous systems flourish in healthy ways. Finding ways to support those engaged in meaningful work has certainly helped my nervous system heal.

As humans, we're wired for connection, designed to seek support from others. Sadly, many of us have experienced disappointment and even tragic neglect or abuse. I’m grateful to meet social workers and learn about faith organizations, coalitions and others dedicated to helping those who have faced such mistreatment. So many people are eager to learn and grow in their ability to heal and assist others in healing. That’s why the Self-Healing Communities movement focuses on helping everyone in our community learn about the neuroscience of human resilience. Neuroscience helps us understand how being kind, thoughtful, caring, and connecting with others contribute to building healthy nervous systems and healing from past mistreatments.

Despite the noise in the world, there's much good to be found. You can read uplifting stories in the South Bend Tribune, check local cafes’ information boards advertising fun gatherings, or ask friends, family and colleagues about positive events in your neighborhood. Consider attending our regional Latin Dance Social — I recently did, and it was a lot of fun! Healthy social connections are among the best ways to contribute to being a force for good in this world.

If you are one of the amazing humans intentionally seeking to be kind and considerate in everything you do, Thankyou! Every act of compassion and thoughtfulness helps us heal. Remember, it's not just about being kind to others; it's also about being kind and gracious to yourself.

And as always, if you're looking for a club to join, reach out to your local library!

Thank you for reading and happy healing.

Velshonna Luckey works for Self-Healing Communities of Greater Michiana, a community well-being movement. She lives in South Bend. Email her at velshonna.shc@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Seek out the goodness all around you