Navigating Negativity: A Sikh Journalist’s Guide to Staying Positive
How can journalists stay hopeful amid constant negativity? A Sikh perspective on resilience and purpose.
“If it bleeds, it leads.”
Anyone who’s worked in news knows that phrase all too well. Headlines often lean dark—conflict, crisis, catastrophe—because that’s what grabs attention. However, for journalists, editors, and media professionals, this constant exposure to negativity can take a toll.
So how do you stay positive when your job—and the world—seem so negative?
As a Sikh journalist, I’ve grappled with this tension personally. The profession demands we face the worst of humanity every day, yet my faith teaches resilience, compassion, and hope even in hardship. Here’s how I navigate that balance.
1. Separate Reality from Narrative
The news focuses on the urgent, the shocking, the painful. But that’s a selective lens, not the full reality.
For every story of violence or disaster, countless acts of kindness, courage, and progress go unreported.
Sikhi reminds us to practice bibek—discernment.
This means not letting the headlines dictate how we see the world. It’s about choosing to acknowledge pain without losing sight of goodness.
The world is messy, but it is also full of light. Holding onto that balance keeps me grounded.
2. Don’t Internalize Every Story
We naturally empathize with the suffering we report on, but as journalists, we can’t carry every burden alone.
Sikh teachings of Hukam—accepting Divine Will—help me recognize the limits of my control. I can work to expose injustice and amplify truth, but I cannot fix everything.
This mindset allows me to care deeply without being crushed by despair. I permit myself to step back, meditate briefly—sometimes repeating Waheguru silently—and reset my emotional compass.
3. Find Meaning in Your Work
It’s easy to feel cynical when negativity dominates headlines.
But I remind myself that truthful journalism is a form of seva—selfless service. By telling stories that matter, we uphold Sikh values of justice and equality.
There are moments when a story sparks change or gives voice to the unheard, and those moments fuel my chardi kala, meaning rising spirits — also my spirit’s resilience. Staying connected to purpose makes the work more than just a job; it becomes a mission.
4. Balance Your Life Outside the Newsroom
The world can feel overwhelmingly heavy, so it’s critical to nurture yourself outside work. For me, that means spending time with loved ones, enjoying nature, and engaging in creative or spiritual practices.
Sikhi emphasizes the importance of the sangat—community—and that support system is vital.
When the news cycle drags me down, I lean on friends, family, and my faith community. This balanced life isn’t optional; it’s essential for staying positive.
5. Talk About It and Build Support
Burnout and emotional fatigue thrive in silence. Being open with colleagues and friends about what the work feels like has been a lifeline.
We share stories, vent frustrations, and encourage each other.
This honest communication is part of seva, too—serving each other by holding space and understanding. It’s a reminder we’re not alone in facing the world’s darkness.
Final Thought: Positivity as a Practice, Not a Feeling
The news is often negative, but positivity isn’t about ignoring that reality. It’s about choosing to be a light in the darkness, anchored by faith, purpose, and community.
Sikhism teaches us to live with chardi kala—an ever-rising spirit—even in adversity. For me, that means embracing the challenge, nurturing my spirit with Waheguru’s remembrance, and believing in the power of truth and compassion to change the world.
If you’re in the news, or just struggling with negativity around you, know this: staying positive is hard, but it’s also a powerful act of resistance. And it’s a practice we can cultivate every day.