Nicole J Phillips is always looking for the good in everything, and that’s what her podcast and her new book “The Negativity Remedy” are all about.
Every week on “The Kindness Podcast” from WOUB, Ohio’s NPR station, Nicole invites a guest to speak with her about the transformative power of kindness.
This week our founder Lu Parker joined Nicole’s star-studded list of guests and spoke about keeping a positive attitude in the news industry, her love for animals, and the power of taking chances. You can listen to the full show here. But if you’re in a hurry, check out Lu’s tips below for keeping the peace in the midst of life’s storms!
Practice the art of non-attachment
Working in the news industry can put a lot of stress on a person. Seeing the constant troubles of the world in the newsroom each day can get to you, but Lu has developed ways to overcome this struggle over her many years as a journalist. “I go in, I do my job, I try not to take in the negative energy…” says Lu. “I really work on trying not to process all of it. Because you literally can’t. It might depress me!”
Between announcing cases and casualties over the course of the pandemic, tracking the progress of the California wildfires, and other breaking news, the work has the potential to be overwhelming.
“[The news] comes in and I share it,” says Lu. “And it’s almost like in meditation. You know what they say in meditation; as the thoughts come by, if they’re flowing by, don’t try to stop them and analyze it. Just let them continue to flow. Acknowledge them…but let that flow past you as opposed to taking it in and letting it eat at your soul.”
Have empathy for your “haters”
While discussing being a public figure and the former Miss USA, Nicole mentioned the potential for receiving hateful comments, stating, “They don’t know you, and they are critical of you! Did the younger you handle this as well?”
“At 25, I was like not everybody is not going to like me, and it’s not about me, necessarily,” says Lu. “I have to say ‘maybe something is happening in their life that is affecting them to now reflect back poorly on me.’ And if you look at that and appreciate that, I think that gives you more empathy to say ‘Maybe don’t take that personally. How can I help them release what is painful for them in their life?’ I mean, it’s easier said than done, but kindness is a practice.”
Be kind to animals
After losing her sweet dog of 12 years, Monkey, last year, Lu realized that life is “not the same without a dog!’ When she adopted her new dog, Moose, it was “love at first sight.” and the giant pup (who seems to gain 10 pounds every 21 days) has added so much joy back into her life.
Having a dog in her life also helps Lu practice gratitude. “When I put [Moose] to bed every night, he’s sleeping on a cushy bed on the floor with two blankets and his own pillow, and I always give him a kiss at night and say ‘let’s say a little prayer for all the doggies and kitties who are in the shelter still.’ Because he’s spoiled! But not all dogs have that.”
Don’t be afraid to take chances
When taking the leap with Be Kind & Co, Lu struggled to find the confidence to invest in a business. Her fear was something she had to push through, but instead of letting it immobilize her, she focused on creating a clear vision of her dreams. This vision is what allowed her to overcome her doubts, and follow what felt right.
You can listen to Lu’s full episode of “The Kindness Podcast” with Nicole J Phillips here.
