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Does anyone else feel like today has been the longest week of the year so far?

Happy Monday.

It has been a rough start to the year, and while we’re caught up in the doomscrolling and the negativity of everything that’s happening in the world right now, it’s easy to forget that there’s some good stuff out there as well.

A lot of good stuff, actually.

So let’s take a break.

Put on some music, put your feet up, and enjoy five reasons to be hopeful this year, via Fast Company.

The Office Is Over

No, not the TV series, which is on Netflix now (the American one) if you want to remember what it’s like to sit at a desk surrounded by coworkers.

Instead, we’ve embraced remote working, which has not only introduced an extra half-hour of sleep into the lives of many a worker, but also cut down on commutes and made it possible to work in your PJs.

Another great thing about remote working is that you can do it from anywhere, which has introduced folks to the idea of travelling while still getting the job done.

Telemedicine Is A Thing Now (Almost)

Trips to the doctor are inconvenient and for many, difficult, if transport is hard to come by.

It’s already taking off around the world, and several medical practitioners are still consulting via the internet for check-ups and therapy sessions in South Africa.

It makes medicine more accessible, cheaper, and faster.

We’re Heading To Mars

We’ve seen a massive investment in the global space economy. Last year we saw some amazing things happen, from the first time in history that a commercial aerospace company has carried humans into Earth’s orbit, to NASA using the Osiris-Rex probe to high-five an asteroid.

And, let’s not forget the Artemis project and the preparations to fly the first humans to Mars.

Oh, and before that happens, NASA is planning on landing a helicopter on the red planet, and Southern Africa is playing a key role in that mission.

With so many good space-related things happening, it’s hard to keep up.

AI Did Something Good

AI is usually terrifying. Why people insist on using it to make creepy robots designed to replace humans is beyond me.

But then there’s Alphabet’s DeepMind, which used its powers for good, coming close to solving one of the oldest problems in biochemistry.

Its artificial intelligence can now predict how a protein will fold in three dimensions with impressive accuracy. This will help to manufacture drugs quicker, with more accuracy, and more efficiently.

Bernie Sanders’ Mittens

To end on a lighter note, one of the greatest gifts that 2021 has given us thus far is Bernie Sanders, at Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration, wearing a pair of homemade knitted mittens.

The memes will make your day.

As an added bonus, Bernie is now selling t-shirts with his likeness on for charity, and money is flooding in.

If you need more reasons to be hopeful this year, you’ll find Fast Company’s full list of 21 here.

Let the good vibes roll.

Now, I’m off to take a nap.

You should do the same.

[source:fastcompany]