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Writer's pictureIlan Cooley

the good place

Updated: Mar 8, 2021

"Both positivity, and negativity can multiply, so we need to be careful what we are putting out there. Each day is the product of our spent effort and energy. It is nice to think we are creating our own little piece of heaven here on earth, and contributing to the world’s positive energy bank."

I’ve rarely watched comedies on television. I prefer to dive deep into a gritty drama. These days, I feel real life is dark enough, so I’ve been watching lighter fare—like The Good Place. It’s a witty show, with a lot of heart. The premise hinges on earning enough positive points here on earth to get into ‘the good place,’ and avoiding the dreaded prospect of landing in ‘the bad place.’


It made me think of quote I read: “What if when you die, God asks, “So how was heaven?” Everyone has their own beliefs, and it is not anyone’s job to judge them. Mine have evolved over time. I read there is a translation of the word God that means “the good.” I like the notion we are the source of “the good” and that it resides within us. I think it is possible we are indeed making our own version of heaven with our thoughts and actions. I don’t think it is as literal as collecting points, but philosophically speaking, I think we generate the energy we leave behind. It's like a comet that trails in our wake, here, and in the hereafter.


This comforts me when I see love, positivity, and inclusiveness, but it scares me when I see hatred, negativity, and intolerance. If our collective energy can create the good place, then it can also create the bad place.


I believe most people are good, but I see a lot of bad things said, mostly in anonymity online. Sometimes those bad things are right out in the open. Our words and how we use them matters. Our thoughts shape our actions, so positive thoughts will result in positive actions. I think we can still value others even if we disagree. We can have different viewpoints, and still promote civility.

Both positivity, and negativity can multiply, so we need to be careful what we are putting out there. Each day is the product of our spent effort and energy. It is nice to think we are creating our own little piece of heaven here on earth, and contributing to the world’s positive energy bank.


We may not have contol over a lot of things, but some things we do. We can control our thoughts and our actions. We can be more tolerant, loving, and kind.


Let’s make this place the good place.

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