The news is grim. There are awful things going on all the time and 24-hour news means we endure constant coverage of the very worst human behaviour. 

Unless you have access to highly classified information then it’s unlikely that re-posting any of these stories on social media will inform anyone of anything they don’t already know. All it does is contribute to our collective sense of despair.

MUCH TO CHEER

However, even in the bleakest story there is always hope: the campaign getting aid to those in most need; people risking their lives to save others; survival against the odds; innovations that will improve everyone’s quality of life.

Sharing these optimistic stories with your friends and, indeed, the wider world is an act of kindness, as they inspire and restore hope, courage and faith in each other.

Share your own good news, too, whether it’s a friend who has raised money for charity or a small act of kindness you have witnessed. Spread the good news.

Follow writer and performer Bernadette at BernadetteRussell.com or @betterussell, and Tweet your kindness adventures #BeKind 

The Little Book of Kindness is available now (£7.99, Orion Spring) 

Read more: How to #BeKind online