In a world that often feels dominated by bad news and negativity, one local author is on a mission to shift the narrative … one uplifting message at a time.

Doug Supon, a longtime resident of Sumner County, recently released his debut book, How to Stay Positive in a Negative World, a heartfelt collection of motivational reflections designed to uplift readers of all ages.

Doug’s journey toward authorship began years ago in an unexpected place: a gym. As the manager of a fitness club in Buffalo, New York, he discovered that helping people meet their fitness goals often meant offering encouragement far beyond the weight rack.

“When you work in a gym, you end up becoming almost a life coach,” Doug shares. “People tell you everything—not just about their health, but about their struggles, dreams, and setbacks.”

What began as one-on-one support eventually blossomed into a broader mission. Doug started posting daily motivational thoughts on social media, hoping to push back against the wave of negativity he saw online.

“The world itself isn’t negative,” he explains. “But that’s what gets pushed. I decided to be part of the solution and start pushing positivity instead.”

That decision led to the creation of How to Stay Positive in a Negative World. Doug describes the book as simple, honest, and intentionally imperfect.

“I wanted it to be something anyone could read, whether you’re 10 or 80,” he says. “It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being real, encouraging, and helpful. You don’t have to be perfect to help someone.”

The book features short, digestible reflections on everyday positivity, including reminders to slow down, say hello, step into the sun, and stop making excuses. Each page encourages readers to become more mindful, kind, and present in their daily lives.

“One of the simplest tips in the book is just to say hello,” Doug says. “You never know what someone’s going through, and a smile or a kind word might lift their whole day.”

Another powerful message in the book is about setting boundaries with negativity.

“You can help people, but you can’t let them drag you down forever,” Doug explains. “Sometimes the best thing you can do is give someone the tools they need, then focus on your own growth.”

In just a month and a half, Doug’s book has sold nearly 100 copies and reached readers in at least 11 states—impressive traction for a first-time author who handled the entire publishing process himself through Amazon.

“I never talked to a single person during the publishing process,” he laughs. “I just figured it out myself.”

The book’s cover, featuring a peaceful sunset over water, is a photo Doug took himself—one of many small personal touches that make the project so meaningful.

“That moment, watching the light over the water, reminded me that there’s beauty and peace all around us, if we just slow down enough to see it.”

Doug is already considering a second book, possibly a collection of poetry.

“I wrote a poem for my wife when we got married, and I’ve always loved writing that way,” he says. (His wife, Laura, is featured with Doug on the cover photo.)

For now, he lives by one simple code:

“We only live once. I try to live each day in the moment. You can’t change yesterday, and you can’t control tomorrow. You just have to be better today than you were yesterday.”

For Doug Supon, sharing his story isn’t about fame or recognition—it’s about making a difference.

“The reviews have been humbling,” he says. “People are already telling me it’s helping them. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

To learn more about How to Stay Positive in a Negative World or to purchase a copy, visit Amazon.com. And if you happen to see Doug around town, don’t be surprised if he greets you with a big smile and a cheerful hello. After all, sometimes a little kindness is the most powerful message of all.