Five Things I Admire About Dolly Parton: Lessons from a Life of Faith, Joy, and Generosity

Five Things I Admire About Dolly Parton: 

Lessons from a Life of Faith, Joy, and Generosity

(Photo by John Mathew Smith / celebrity-photos.com, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped if applicable. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.)

When I think about Dolly Parton, many images immediately come to mind: the unmistakable voice, the blonde hair, the rhinestones, the colorful clothes, Dollywood, and a catalog of songs that has crossed generations. Yet when I think about why I have admired Dolly through the years, her entertainment career is only part of the answer. What stands out to me even more is the way she appeared to approach life and other people. I never knew Dolly personally, and I would never pretend that a public figure can be completely understood through interviews or television appearances. Still, after listening to her speak through the years and observing the causes she supported, certain characteristics repeatedly rise to the surface.

As a Christian, I do not believe celebrities should become our ultimate examples for how to live. Jesus Christ holds that place. Yet I also believe we can recognize admirable qualities in other people and learn from the way they use their lives, resources, experiences, and influence. When I reflect on Dolly Parton, five qualities especially stand out to me: her generosity, her authenticity, her Christian faith, her positive attitude, and her resilience.

1. I Admire Dolly’s Generosity

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
—Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)

“It makes me feel proud of who I am, where I’m from…and the fact that I am in a position to help people, and especially the kids.”
—Dolly Parton, Good Morning America, 2018

Watch the interview: Dolly Parton says she founded her Imagination Library charity to honor her dad

Dolly Parton’s generosity has been well documented, but what I find especially meaningful is that so much of her giving was connected to people and experiences that mattered personally to her. One of the best examples is the Imagination Library. In a 2018 Good Morning America interview, Dolly explained that her father had never learned to read or write because he had little opportunity for formal education. She emphasized that he was very intelligent, but his inability to read had always troubled him. Rather than simply grieving what her father had missed, Dolly transformed that experience into something that could benefit other children and families. She created the Imagination Library in his honor, and he lived long enough to participate in its early development and hear children affectionately call his daughter “the Book Lady.”

That story says something important about generosity. Sometimes our most meaningful acts of service grow out of places where we have witnessed hardship ourselves. Dolly saw what limited her father’s opportunities and asked how she could make life different for another child. The result became an enormous literacy program that has placed hundreds of millions of books into the homes of children around the world. Her concern for children extended into healthcare as well. During her interview with Dr. Oz in 2017, Dolly visited children undergoing cancer treatment at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, where her niece Hannah had once received treatment for leukemia. Dolly announced a one-million-dollar donation to the hospital while emphasizing how important it was to encourage children. More recently, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital has even taken on the Dolly Parton name, a fitting connection for someone who invested so much into the well-being of children.

Her generosity extended far beyond those examples. Through the Dollywood Foundation, Dolly invested directly in young people and education in her home county of Sevier County. The early Buddy Program offered financial incentives to participating students who successfully completed high school, while later scholarships helped students pursue college and other dreams. Her support also helped expand healthcare in the region. In 2007, a benefit concert and pledges from Dolly-related businesses provided approximately $1 million toward what became LeConte Medical Center.

When devastating wildfires swept through Gatlinburg and surrounding communities in 2016, Dolly created the My People Fund, which provided families whose homes had been destroyed with $1,000 each month for six months. A related benefit telethon ultimately raised more than $13 million for those affected by the disaster. When Hurricane Helene brought destructive flooding to East Tennessee and surrounding areas in 2024, Dolly again responded by personally pledging $1 million toward relief efforts while her businesses contributed another $1 million. Across decades, a consistent pattern emerged: when Dolly saw people hurting, particularly in the Appalachian communities that shaped her, she looked for practical ways to help.

Hebrews 13:16 provides a fitting Biblical lens for understanding this pattern of generosity: “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Whether Dolly was helping a student stay in school, putting books into the hands of children, supporting a hospital, or helping a family rebuild after losing a home, her generosity repeatedly moved beyond sympathy into action. The verse also reminds us that sharing is not merely about possessing great wealth. It is a spiritual posture of recognizing another person’s need and being willing to respond. Dolly happened to have considerable financial resources and a large public platform, and she often chose to use both to benefit others.

Most of us will never have millions of dollars to donate, but generosity should never be measured only by the size of a financial gift. God has given each of us something that can bless someone else. We can share our money, but we can also share our time, talents, encouragement, knowledge, hospitality, or simple presence. Dolly’s example reminds me to ask a practical question: What has God already placed in my hands that could make somebody else’s life a little better? Generosity begins when we stop focusing only on what we possess and start recognizing what we can give.

2. I Admire That Dolly Was Comfortable Being Herself

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
—Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

“I’m very real where it counts. And that’s inside.”
—Dolly Parton, interview with Barbara Walters, 1978

Watch the interview: Barbara Walters’ memorable interview with Dolly Parton (1978)

One of my favorite Dolly Parton interviews is her memorable 1978 conversation with Barbara Walters. Walters directly questioned Dolly about the blonde wigs, exaggerated clothing, and even whether Dolly worried that people considered her a joke. Dolly never appeared intimidated. She explained that her appearance was intentional, that she knew exactly what she was doing, and that the exterior presentation was not the most important thing about who she was. Her statement, “I’m very real where it counts. And that’s inside,” captures the heart of the conversation.

Dolly also explained that she was secure in herself as a person, confident in her talent, appreciative of life, and content with who she was. Because of that inner security, she could play around with hairstyles, makeup, clothing, and an exaggerated public persona without allowing those things to determine her worth. There is something tremendously freeing about that attitude. Dolly could laugh at herself without hating herself, and she could hear criticism without allowing every critical voice to become part of her identity.

That lesson may be even more relevant today. Social media gives us immediate measurements through likes, comments, views, followers, and shares, making it easy to wonder whether we are attractive enough, successful enough, accomplished enough, or interesting enough. Yet Galatians 1:10 reminds Christians that the approval of other people cannot become our ultimate standard. Our deepest identity comes from belonging to Christ. That does not mean becoming arrogant or refusing constructive criticism. It means that the opinions of strangers should not control our sense of worth. I admire that Dolly seemed to understand this long before social media existed. She did not need everyone to understand her before she could enjoy being herself.

3. I Admire Dolly’s Christian Faith

“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”
—Psalm 62:8 (NIV)

“I pray a lot. I try to keep my faith strong…I just kind of feel like Jesus is right here close to me, and He’s my friend.”
—Dolly Parton, Knoxville News Sentinel interview

Watch the interview: Dolly Parton talks about her Christian faith

Dolly spoke openly about her Christian faith throughout her public life, and that is something I have always appreciated about her. She built an extraordinary career in the secular entertainment industry, yet she did not seem embarrassed to acknowledge God, prayer, Jesus, or the religious upbringing she received in the mountains of East Tennessee. In an interview with the Knoxville News Sentinel, Dolly explained that she prayed frequently, tried to keep her faith strong, and depended upon a source greater than herself. She described prayer almost like recharging a spiritual battery while explaining that she experienced Jesus as someone close to her, a friend with whom she could simply talk.

What I appreciate about that interview is its simplicity. Dolly was not delivering a complicated theological lecture. She was describing a lived faith. Prayer was something she practiced. Jesus was someone she talked to. God was someone she depended upon. She also acknowledged that faith did not make her immune from pain. She hurt like everyone else and was not always happy.

That distinction is important in Christian life. Faith does not require us to pretend everything is wonderful. We can trust God while grieving, pray while feeling discouraged, and believe in the goodness of Christ while admitting that circumstances hurt. Psalm 62:8 actually encourages us to pour out our hearts before God rather than hiding what is inside them. Dolly’s comments remind me that authentic faith is not a performance of constant happiness. It is continually turning toward God through good seasons and difficult ones.

4. I Admire Dolly’s Positive Attitude

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
—Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

“You kind of have to work at being positive like some people work at being miserable.”
—Dolly Parton, Watch What Happens Live, 2021

Watch the interview: How Does Dolly Parton Stay So Positive? | WWHL

Dolly Parton has always seemed to possess an unusual ability to find something enjoyable about life. She laughs easily, makes jokes about herself, and often communicates with an optimism that seems almost contagious. Yet a 2021 interview with Andy Cohen revealed that her positivity was not accidental. When asked how she remained positive in a world filled with adversity, Dolly explained that people have to work at being positive in much the same way that some people work at being miserable. For her, positivity was an attitude, including a willingness to look at something difficult and ask how it might be turned toward something better.

That is different from pretending hardship does not exist. Dolly understood depression, disappointment, physical pain, family struggles, and difficult seasons. Her positive attitude did not deny those realities. Instead, she made a conscious decision not to allow difficulty to become the only thing she could see.

Philippians 4:8 calls Christians toward a similar discipline of the mind. Paul does not claim that everything around us will be lovely or admirable. Instead, he instructs believers to deliberately turn their attention toward what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. We can intentionally notice what God has given us: relationships, family, laughter, meaningful work, music, beauty in creation, opportunities to serve, and another day of life. Christian hope goes deeper than ordinary positive thinking because our hope ultimately rests in Christ, but Dolly’s perspective reminds me that our attitude still matters. Life is difficult enough without volunteering to become miserable about every inconvenience along the way.

5. I Admire Dolly’s Resilience

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
—Romans 5:3–4 (NIV)

“I just have a lot of faith. I pray every day, and I had to really lean on my faith for that.”
—Dolly Parton, The Dr. Oz Show, 2017

Watch the interview: Dolly Parton Opens Up About Depression, Health, and Her Mission to Help Children | Oz Celebrity

Perhaps the quality that ties all the others together most clearly is resilience. Dolly’s joyful public personality could easily create the impression that life had simply gone well for her, but her interview with Dr. Oz revealed something deeper. When asked about emotional challenges, Dolly acknowledged that she had experienced a severe period of depression during a season involving hormonal and other physical health problems. She described herself as a sensitive person and admitted that this had been an especially difficult time. What helped her continue was not some magical ability to remain cheerful. She said that she had to lean heavily on her faith, pray every day, and keep trying to get back up.

That is the kind of resilience I admire because resilience does not mean never falling apart. It means the difficult chapter does not get to become the final chapter. Romans 5 describes suffering producing perseverance, perseverance shaping character, and character eventually giving way to hope. That process is rarely instantaneous. Sometimes we simply keep putting one foot in front of the other, trusting that God has not abandoned us even when we cannot yet understand what He is doing.

Dolly’s story concerning children adds another dimension to this idea for me. She and her husband, Carl Dean, never had children of their own. Dolly spoke publicly about how her life had unfolded differently than she might once have imagined, eventually expressing the belief that perhaps God had given her a broader purpose in the lives of children. Looking at the millions of young lives touched through the Imagination Library and her other charitable work, it is easy to see why that perspective became meaningful to her. In the Dr. Oz interview, she talked about her love for children, visited young cancer patients, discussed the survival of her niece Hannah from leukemia, promoted an album intended to encourage children, and announced a substantial gift to the hospital that had cared for her niece.

This part of Dolly’s story touches me on a personal level. Lisa and I have experienced painful pregnancy losses of our own. At the same time, God has blessed us tremendously with Annabelle and Jace, and I am deeply grateful for the family we have. Those realities can exist together. Gratitude does not erase grief, and grief does not mean we are ungrateful for what God has given us. Sometimes life does not unfold according to the picture we once carried in our minds, and faith means continuing to trust that God can still bring purpose, meaning, and love out of circumstances we never would have chosen.

That is what resilience looks like to me. We do not have to pretend the painful chapters never happened. Instead, we allow God to use those experiences to deepen our compassion, strengthen our faith, and perhaps even help somebody else who walks through a similar valley. Dolly’s life repeatedly demonstrated that difficult experiences could become opportunities for service. Her father’s inability to read helped inspire a literacy program. Her niece’s battle with leukemia strengthened her concern for sick children. Her own struggle with depression became something she could speak about honestly so that others knew they were not alone. Resilience did not mean denying hardship. It meant continuing to live generously and purposefully after hardship came.

When I put these five qualities together, I think I understand more clearly why Dolly Parton has appealed to so many people across generations. Her music certainly mattered, but the person people encountered alongside the music mattered too. She modeled generosity that looked beyond herself, authenticity that did not require everybody’s approval, faith she was willing to discuss publicly, an attitude that deliberately looked for goodness, and resilience that helped her continue moving forward through difficult seasons.

I will never sing like Dolly Parton, and I certainly do not anticipate owning a collection of rhinestone outfits or 365 wigs. But those are not the parts of her example I most want to imitate. I want to become more generous with what God has given me, more comfortable being the person God created me to be, more willing to live my Christian faith visibly and authentically, and more intentional about noticing reasons for gratitude. When difficult seasons inevitably come, I also want to keep getting back up, trusting that God can create something meaningful even from circumstances I never would have chosen.

Perhaps that is one of the most meaningful ways we can appreciate someone we admire. We can enjoy the songs, remember the performances, smile at the jokes, and celebrate an extraordinary career, but we can also ask what qualities from that person’s life challenge us to live our own lives better. When I think about Dolly Parton, five simple lessons remain with me: give generously, be yourself, hold onto your faith, choose joy, and keep going. Those are lessons worth carrying with us.

 

#DollyParton #Faith #ChristianFaith #ChooseJoy #Resilience #Generosity #Authenticity #PositiveAttitude #KindnessMatters #FaithInAction #ChristianEncouragement #LessonsFromLife #EastTennessee #ImaginationLibrary #KeepGoing

 

Dare to Believe: Marie Curie’s Unwavering Confidence and Perseverance

“We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves.”

 - Marie Curie

I was recently on the University of Tennessee campus for a social event, walking through Mossman Hall, where many of the biology departments reside and operate. As I walked through the front doors of the building (from Cumberland Avenue), I came across this quote by Marie Curie on the wall mural in the photograph above. Concerning recent events in my own life, this quote resonated with me. So, I took a picture to remember the scene, and after a moment of contemplation, I raced to my event.  

When I woke up the next morning, still thinking about this quote, I started researching more about Marie Curie’s life. Upon further investigation, Curie seemed like a fascinating and inspirational historical figure! After researching more about her biographical background over several days, I observed these themes at work in her life story - perseverance through hardship and the development of humble confidence. Please allow me to elaborate on my reasoning about these thematic representations.    

Marie Curie was an early pioneer in science who understood that success does not come easily. Her words reflect a deep truth: confidence and perseverance are essential to achieving greatness. In today’s world, where self-doubt often creeps in, we can draw inspiration from her life to remind ourselves that belief in our own abilities is the foundation of success. Curie’s remarkable journey is filled with lessons on resilience, dedication, and the power of self-confidence. Her story is one of persistence, scientific breakthroughs, and an unyielding belief in her purpose.

Marie Curie’s Confidence in Herself

Marie Curie was no stranger to adversity. Born Maria Salomea Skłodowska in Warsaw in 1867, she faced significant barriers as a woman pursuing higher education in what was then the Russian Empire. Opportunities for women in science were virtually nonexistent, yet she refused to accept limitations imposed by society. She secretly studied at the clandestine Flying University in Poland, a revolutionary institution that provided education to those denied it. Her determination led her to Paris in 1891, where she enrolled at the Sorbonne, excelling in physics and mathematics despite struggling with poverty and an unfamiliar language. She refused to let societal restrictions dictate her potential, proving that confidence is not simply about talent but also about persistence in the face of obstacles.

 (Pierre Curie and Marie Sklodowska-Curie, 1895)

Curie’s determination was reinforced by her partnership with Pierre Curie, whom she married in 1895. Together, they formed one of the most formidable scientific collaborations in history. Their groundbreaking work on radioactivity—a term she coined—earned them the 1903 Nobel Prize in Physics, along with Henri Becquerel. This honor made Marie Curie the first woman to ever receive a Nobel Prize. The couple’s dedication to their research was unparalleled, working under harsh conditions in makeshift laboratories, often enduring grueling hours to extract pure radium. Their unwavering belief in their discoveries showcased how confidence fuels perseverance, even when success seems distant.

When Pierre tragically died in 1906, Marie faced a pivotal moment in her life. She could have allowed grief to halt her progress, but instead, she channeled her sorrow into her work. She stepped into his professorship at the University of Paris, making history as the institution’s first female professor. This remarkable feat can be attributed to her keen intellect—however, it was also a testament to her confidence to continue groundbreaking research despite overwhelming loss. In 1911, she won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for her discovery of polonium and radium, making her the only person to win a Nobel in two different scientific fields (Chemistry and Physics). Her continued success in the male-dominated world of science was proof that belief in oneself can shatter any barrier.

(Pierre and Marie Curie in the laboratory, 1904)

Confidence as a Driving Force for Perseverance

Curie’s life was filled with obstacles—assumed biases, the loss of a spouse, financial struggles, and even the physical toll of working with radioactive materials—but she never allowed doubt to overshadow her work. Confidence, for her, was not about bravado; it was about trusting that each step forward mattered, even when results were uncertain. She conducted her experiments with limited resources, often working in poorly ventilated sheds, enduring exposure to radiation without fully knowing its risks. Despite the hardships, she never abandoned her research. She had faith in her discoveries and their potential impact on the world.

She applied this confidence to innovation during World War I, developing mobile radiography units that brought X-ray services to battlefield hospitals. Rather than waiting for approval or validation, she took the lead, proving that confidence means taking action despite uncertainty. She personally trained medical staff, equipped vehicles, and even drove these mobile units herself to assist wounded soldiers. Her dedication saved countless lives and demonstrated how perseverance and self-belief can drive meaningful change even in dire circumstances.

 (Curie in a mobile X-ray vehicle, 1915)

Applying Curie’s Lessons to Our Lives

Confidence is not about having all the answers. It is about the willingness to keep asking questions, testing limits, and persisting through setbacks. Curie did not let rejection, loss, or skepticism silence her ambitions. Neither should we. Her resilience teaches us that confidence is cultivated through action, learning, and persistence.

Whether you are pursuing a new career, facing personal struggles, or striving for self-improvement, Curie’s words remain relevant. Confidence in yourself is the first step to perseverance. Trust that you are capable, even when others doubt you. Recognize that setbacks are part of growth, not reasons to quit. The road to success is often long and challenging, but unwavering belief in your potential is what will carry you forward.

A Call to Action: Believe in Yourself

Marie Curie’s legacy is a testament to the power of self-belief. She did not let doubt, criticism, or failure define her journey. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge and discovery continues to inspire generations. Her words encourage us to do the same. Whatever your goals may be, approach them with confidence. Keep moving forward with perseverance, and success will follow.

Believe in yourself. Trust your abilities. And like Curie, let confidence light your path to achievement.

 

#MarieCurie #science #perseverance #confidence #NobelPrize #Chemistry #Physics #knowledge #resilience #persistence #personalgrowth #radioactivity #narrative #inspiration #JamesCartee #story #lifelessons

Dr. James L. Cartee, III – A Journey of Pursued Endurance and Resilience

 

I recently graduated from a Ph.D. program in Communication at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville (UTK). In athletics, UTK is the home of the Volunteers. Go Vols!

This video shows the graduation ceremony when my advisor hooded me, thus representing the official title of being called, “Dr. James L. Cartee, III.” The tradition of the hooding ceremony originated at European universities during the 11th or 12th century. These customs were designed to recognize and celebrate students as they embarked on their scholarly journeys. Initially, hooded robes were worn for warmth in the cold, unheated medieval libraries and served as a practical uniform for scholars engaged in study and writing.

During my four years at Tennessee, I had a wonderful experience with the dedicated support of many involved faculty and staff. During this graduate journey, I learned multiple lessons about endurance and the vitality of balancing many life responsibilities, including employment and family priorities.

Managing a demanding academic schedule while raising two young children required me to master effective time management, prioritize tasks, and lean on a strong support system. These experiences taught me that endurance develops through finding harmony amidst chaos and ensuring that mental health self-care receives the attention it deserves. Balancing my many life responsibilities involved thriving through a strategic allocation of my time, resources, and energy to excel in all the necessary commitments of a Ph.D. program. Research, teaching, colleague relationships, publications, and active service were just a few of those core commitments. Concerning learned endurance, I maintained focus on persistence through challenges, growth through hardship, the power of support networks, long-term goals, and the benefits of self-care. I elaborate on these valuable self-observations with the following explanations.

Persistence Through Challenges

Endurance, for me, meant pushing through obstacles and setbacks. There were moments when the challenges seemed insurmountable, whether it was a tough academic hurdle, personal struggles, or moments of doubt. Yet, persistence and determination became my guiding objectives. Every setback was a lesson in resilience, and every challenge overcome was a testament to my commitment. This relentless pursuit of my goals, despite the difficulties, highlighted that persistence is key to achieving long-term success and personal growth in higher education and future careers.

Growth Through Hardship

Every challenge I faced during my Ph.D. program contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth. Endurance isn't just about reaching the end goal; it's about the transformation that occurs along the way. The hardships I encountered—whether academic, financial, or personal—forced me to develop new skills, adapt my strategies, and become more resilient. These experiences shaped me into a stronger, more capable individual, prepared to tackle future challenges with confidence in myself and my abilities.

The Power of Support Networks

Enduring a rigorous academic program while juggling other responsibilities underscored the importance of a strong support network. Family, friends, colleagues, and mentors played a crucial role in my success, providing encouragement and relevant honed perspectives when needed. Their support reminded me that endurance is not a solitary journey but one that thrives on the collective strength and wisdom of those around us. Leaning on my support network helped me persevere and enriched my journey with meaningful connections and shared achievements.

Maintaining Focus on Long-Term Goals

Endurance requires keeping sight of the bigger picture, even when immediate challenges seem overwhelming. Throughout my Ph.D. journey, maintaining focus on my long-term goals was essential. This focus kept me motivated and driven, reminding me why I started this journey in the first place. It was about more than just the degree program; it was about advancing my career, contributing to my field, and setting an example for my children. Keeping my long-term vision clear helped me navigate the ups and downs with a sense of purpose and direction.

The Value of Self-Care

Sustaining endurance over an extended period necessitates taking care of my physical and mental well-being. Throughout my Ph.D. journey, I learned the magnitude of self-care practices, such as exercise, adequate rest, and stress management. These practices were crucial in maintaining my stamina and effectiveness. My habitual self-care tendencies concentrated on ensuring I had the energy and mental clarity to meet my commitments and achieve my goals. This lesson reinforced that taking care of oneself is a vital part of enduring any long-term challenge.

While these lessons can apply to almost any adversities in life encountered, they are especially pivotal in the graduate program experience. I learned a lot about myself in my journey to graduation. While I absorbed new knowledge, I became stronger by staying the course to accomplish each defined objective centered around a dissertation committee. I self-examined my own character and legacy in hopes of changing lives through quality instruction, effective teaching, and sound research exploring the mental health help-seeking behaviors of young adults.

(One of my closest friends, Mathew Calhoun, traveled from Birmingham, Alabama to attend graduation. He is an amazing friend!)

(This is one of the family portraits taken during the graduation photo session.)

(Annabelle rewarded Dad with a kiss in his “funny costume.”)

(Jace wondered why he must stop playing with his ball in the grass.)

(Lisa was my champion in the Ph.D. journey! Her support helped me balance work, family, classes, and research.)

(The Torch Bearer is a classic landmark on the University of Tennessee campus.)

(In many capacities, my immediate family supported me through the four-year degree path to earn my Ph.D.)

(Graduation occurred in the Thompson-Bowling Arena on campus, which is where the men's and women's basketball teams play home games.)

(This is my advisor. I could not have completed my dissertation without her help! I really enjoyed working with her, especially in the last years of the program.)

(My family and friends sat remarkably close to where I was located on the arena floor. My advisor and I waved to the home crowd.)

(This is the graduation program with the title of my dissertation listed.)

*Please note that the outdoor portrait pictures were taken by a talented photographer named Jack Horsley from Knoxville, Tennessee.

#graduateschool #PhD #masters #highereducation #Communication #ABD #dissertation #mentalhealth #committee #research #changedlives #daddydestinations #daddy #dad #blog #family #lifelessons #memories #story #inspiration #JamesCartee #goodness #lessons #motivation #legacy 

Cultivating Positivity in a World of Negativity: Gratitude with a Family Touch

Much of the constant media and professional landscape breeds and even advertises negativity. Some news outlets thrive on bad news, rather than celebrating inspirational stories and triumphs. Politics is a prime illustration of dim-witted criticism and unproductive messages of deprecation. This continual barraging of never-ending cynicism can take a toll on viewers. Therefore, a cure can prevail amidst these virulent chains of antagonistic prejudice and discourteousness. The answer for opposition to these forces incorporates a formidable antidote – the constant practice of gratitude.

The Authority of Positivity:

The idea of happiness is fleeting when one experiences strong emotions, which sometimes include both positive and negative feelings. At the peak of a mountain, one naturally feels exuberant about life. In the valley, one naturally feels deprived of joy and pleasantness. As human beings, the ups and downs of memorable experiences come to us all. Positivity is a mindset that drives the transformation of heart and will. If proactive through an intentional commendatory mindset, mental health thrives. Professional work, even if just to pay bills, seems less daunting and perhaps even less boring.

Recently, the burdens of life have felt somewhat draining for me. I realized these negative feelings emerging. So, I decided to take a break. On what could have been a busy day of tasks accomplished (being busy to feel good about being busy), I ventured to Corryton, Tennessee. This town is about thirty minutes from Knoxville, which is where my family and I currently live. I ate breakfast at a local establishment called The Backwoods Restaurant. In this small edifice, there were four tables and a window heater built into the wall. However, the meal and the price were excellent! Like the title, in the middle of the country, it was a backwoods experience.

After breakfast, I took a hike to the summit of House Mountain, a natural preserve that stands as the highest point in Knox County. I must admit the five-mile hike was rather difficult, but the views were breathtaking. More specifically, the one-mile trek up the mountain to reach the peak was very strenuous. I kept wondering when I might see flatter trails to catch my breath. The uphill climb finally plateaued into another trail that spanned about two miles on the top of the mountain. There were vistas all around from atop the plateau trail, making this part of the hike worth the rigor to reach the peak. Without my usual checklist in front of me, I felt some clarity being able to sit in the natural silence, admiring these views. On a few occasions during my trek, I took about ten minutes to sit down, be still, and rest my mind.  

Amidst a chaotic routine, it was refreshing to take this much-needed midday break without having to stare at a screen. Unlike some, binge-watching Netflix or another television program does not always feel relaxing to me. Clearing my head in nature provides a momentary release. I prayed, exercised, and summited a mountain in the half-day spent in Corryton.     

These breaks and moments of thankfulness function as anchors to a positive mentality. I would encourage you to take a break and refresh if it has been a while since you did so.

The Role of Family in Positivity:  

My wife, Lisa, and my children, Annabelle and Jace, serve as my pillars of support, especially on hard days. Plus, if I focus my attention on my family or someone else, acts of affirmation for the sake of enhancing another person’s life empower positivity. My family’s presence, love, and shared experiences fill my heart in ways the surrounding world cannot.

For instance, for a full day, Lisa and I recently took the kids to Sevierville, Tennessee, near the Smoky Mountains. For lunch, we ate pizza at the Gatlinburg Brewing Company. Of course, a couple of beers or ciders, whichever you prefer, certainly seem to mellow any rising stressors about life’s many responsibilities. The restaurant was a vibrant environment that welcomed families with young children. After our delicious lunch cuisine, we took the kids to a medium-sized flea market to shop for some inexpensive toys (something small for the kids to enjoy).

Jace acquired a white teddy bear with a Coca-Cola theme and apparel. Annabelle picked some inexpensive squishy animals and slime that lasted about a day before being thrown away. It was these simple pleasures that made the day enjoyable. After our flea market excursion, we hiked two miles at Seven Islands State Birding Park. There is a rather long bridge in the park that leads to some short trails on an island in the middle of the French Broad River. The mountains and sunset shined in the background of spectacular scenery and cool weather. I am still savoring the contentment of these hours spent together. Annabelle and Jace thoroughly enjoy running through nature parks of this kind. They seem to savor any activity that involves the outdoors.

Visiting Sevierville and the surrounding sites was an intentional act to do something we enjoy together. Nature again provided an outlet away from computer work, tablet apps, phone calls, and watching Paw Patrol (Annabelle’s favorite show) on the television. Again, appreciation for the still moments in nature with family becomes touchpoints for experienced and expressed gratitude.  

A New Gratitude Ritual:

Lisa and I have placed a plastic jar near the kitchen table with small pieces of paper. Sporadically, we will write reminders of blessings and sources of gratitude on these slips of paper. Six months down the road, we will read and review these reminders of good moments as a family together. This simple idea reinforces the good things in our shared lives. It takes attention away from the negative to thrive in thoughts of positive things. In my internal process of thinking, thoughts of consistent positivity often lead to more thoughts of consistent positivity. Thus, my mood feels elevated in a healthy mindset with an intentional focus on evident blessings, rather than what sometimes feels like daily burdens.

Word of Caution in A Call of Action:

I would caution you to be mindful of the people you are around and the media outlets you watch. Sometimes, negative messaging only represents senseless topics for the sake of ratings and maybe even shaming people to feel bad for no necessary reason.

(This is a picture of the Backwoods Restaurant in Corryton, Tennessee.)

(This picture is inside the Backwoods Restaurant.)

(House Mountain provides some brilliant vistas of the surrounding mountains and countryside.)

(At Seven Islands State Birding Park, the kids marveled at the width of the French Broad River while crossing the bridge.) 

(During our hiking portion of the trek at Seven Islands, I carried Jace in what Annabelle calls "the elephant carrier.")

(The sunset gleamed on the French Broad River at Seven Islands.)

(Jace enjoys the ride of someone carrying him through the state park.)

(Annabelle snuggles close to Mommy in a photo op as the night air gets cooler.)

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