The Power of Progress: Celebrating the Good in the World

"Healing is not just the absence of harm; it is the presence of hope, connection, and unwavering care. Every act of kindness, every moment of compassion, stitches the fabric of a better world." - Mary Coughlin

The Power of Progress

In a world where headlines often highlight chaos and crisis, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or even discouraged. But beneath the surface of bad news lies a quieter, yet deeply transformative truth: humanity is making remarkable progress. From groundbreaking advancements in healthcare to everyday acts of kindness, there is so much good happening—if we know where to look.

At its core, progress is about healing. Whether it’s a medical breakthrough that saves lives, a community initiative that lifts people out of poverty, or a simple gesture of compassion that ripples outward, these moments remind us that small actions build toward meaningful change.

Yet, progress isn’t self-sustaining. The support structures that make healing possible—humanitarian aid, global health initiatives, and community-driven solutions—require commitment, not just from governments and organizations, but from all of us. As we witness shifts in funding and support for humanitarian efforts, it’s worth asking: What kind of world do we want to live in? And how can we, as individuals, uphold the values of care and connection, even when larger systems falter?

A World of Progress

Let’s take a moment to acknowledge some of the bright spots happening around us:

Decline in Child Mortality

• Over the past two decades, the global under-five mortality rate has nearly halved, thanks to improved healthcare, nutrition, and education.

Health Breakthroughs

• Diseases once considered untreatable, like HIV and certain cancers, are now manageable, and vaccines have eradicated illnesses like smallpox.

Education and Literacy

• More children—especially girls—have access to education than ever before, empowering them to break cycles of poverty and inequality.

Community and Connection

• Across the world, people are stepping up to support one another, from grassroots activism to mutual aid networks that ensure no one is left behind.

These advancements reflect a fundamental truth: healing and progress happen when people come together with intention, care, and a commitment to something greater than themselves. But they also remind us of something just as important—progress is not inevitable. It requires sustained effort, ongoing investment, and an unwavering belief in the dignity and worth of every human life.

The Healing Environment

Healing doesn’t just happen on a global scale—it happens in small, everyday ways. A healthcare provider offering reassurance to a worried parent, a teacher creating a safe space for a struggling student, a neighbor checking in on someone who feels alone. These acts, while seemingly simple, create healing environments—spaces where safety, trust, and compassion allow people to grow and thrive.

When we recognize that we each have the power to foster these environments, the world begins to feel less fragmented and more whole. Just as a baby in the NICU benefits from a calm, responsive setting, communities flourish when they are built on care, equity, and understanding.

But when structures that provide critical support are dismantled, the burden shifts onto individuals, families, and already stretched communities. And while we are more than capable of showing up for each other, history has shown that collective well-being thrives when systemic support is in place.

Celebrating AND Continuing

It’s essential to celebrate these wins, but progress is never a reason to pause. There’s always more work to do, more healing to offer, and more voices to uplift. The joy of seeing positive change in the world must be paired with a commitment to keep pushing forward.

We can build on the progress already made by:

• Staying informed and advocating for continued investment in humanitarian efforts.

• Supporting organizations that protect the most vulnerable.

• Practicing compassion in our daily lives, creating micro-healing environments wherever we go.

• Reflecting on how our personal and professional choices contribute to a brighter future.

A Shared Commitment

When we take a step back, we see that progress is not an abstract concept—it’s something we shape every day. The world is moving toward greater understanding, care, and connection, and each of us has a role to play in that evolution.

As we navigate changes in how support is structured—both locally and globally—let’s remind ourselves that no act of care is too small, no effort insignificant. While systems may shift, our shared humanity remains constant.

By recognizing and amplifying the good that is happening, we can stay grounded in hope, committed to action, and open to the possibility that healing—whether on an individual or global scale—is always within reach.

Reflective Questions:

1. What’s one example of progress—big or small—that inspires you?

2. How can you create a healing environment in your own sphere of influence?

3. What small action can you take this week to contribute to a better world?

4. How can we collectively ensure that progress doesn’t stall when support systems change?

Thanks for reading me 🤗

Take care and care well,

Mary

P.S. If this resonates with you and you're interested in learning how to bring trauma-informed principles into your professional practice, you might want to explore what it means to become a Trauma-Informed Professional. LEARN MORE HERE