Yes, I agree! I know people who won't hear of anything negative, white washing everything as if were positive. That's just not healthy in my opinion. We have to recognize the negative things around us to be able to make any improvements or to feel satisfaction when we fix or overcome them.

Life is a balance - what seems negative for some might be positive for others, and there are natural consequences. Creation only moves forward within the struggle between opposites.

It is not toxic to focus on gratitude, encouraging others and appreciating our strengths.

Since 2006, I have been a volunteer college mentor at the high school. I help low income children of immigrants apply for colleges and scholarships. My strength is helping students write powerful essays that touch the hearts of college admissions and scholarship committees. They are the first person in their family to go to college.

Alexandria is the girl I am currently mentoring. Her alcoholic father beat her mother and the older girls. He refused to work. Stole money from his children and wife who works in retail. He was arrested and went to prison. Her parents divorced when she was 11. Alexandria's mom was left with her father's debt. He does not pay child support.

At first Alexandria refused to talk about her father. "It's too painful," she insisted. She is quiet and anxious. Gradually, I drew her out. "You need to tell your story," I said. "With the pandemic, you have not done any community service in high school. This is essential to get into college and win scholarships."

I got her to volunteer teaching flute lessons to middle school students. Now she works at Target like her mother on weekends. Self-taught, Alexandria plays flute, guitar, violin and electric bass. Her instruments were provided by the school. She has a 3.94 grade point average.

"From the terrors of my childhood, I have grown to be kind, patient, responsible and determined," Alexandria wrote in her personal essay. "I refuse to turn out anything like my father. After being surrounded by negativity, I do not want to add more negativity to the world. I want people around me to feel they are in a safe space."

Alexandria was accepted by the prestigious University of Washington. Bravo!