Voices is the Dorset Echo's weekly youth page - written for young people by young people

AMIDST the doom and gloom of British politics and Dorset’s flaws, I suggest a change in attitude.

For too long have we been complicit in our misery while failing to appreciate that there is good all around us.

While our little county on the coast isn’t perfect by any means, Dorset has a myriad of things to celebrate.

Whether it’s a local café winning a national award, the county’s rich history or simply a small local story that brings joy to the heart, we are drenched in positivity that too often flies under our radar.

I understand that with the pace of modern life, it’s easy to get caught up in the headlines and forget the positives on our doorstep, but it is worth asking that if we are unable to feel happiness from the smaller tales of positivity and our beautiful surroundings, are we even living?

While it is important that we must remain wise to the ills of the world, we need to pay more attention to the bright side of life all around us.

Use everything you have, whether it’s a beautiful, thriving county or your personal accomplishments as an excellent starting point to remind you of what you are capable of.

We should also seek to lighten up a bit when it comes to debating how to tackle problems.

The common standard, especially as depicted by the media, is a mindless exchange that we are all capable of being better than.

We should not debate to harden or exert our views – we should seek to improve them with an open mind and learn.

Remember, not everything is a drab tale of misery, so while I am not the boss of you - the reader, I suggest taking five minutes after reading this to appreciate the nice things we do have.

Besides, what’s to lose from brightening up a little?

By Oliver Streather-Paul