“Be afraid of this!” they say. “Be afraid of that! Be afraid of something else!”

Does it ever end?

Fear is definitely a powerful motivator, so it isn’t surprising that so many groups and individuals deploy it — often using it for manipulative purposes.

Yet under that constant barrage of negativity, how often do we step back and analyze it with the skepticism it truly deserves?

Daily Herald file photo

Probably not enough.

And I think now may be the absolute best time to put all of that toxic noise into perspective.

Here we are in early June with months of sunshine ahead. It gets light early in the morning and stays light late into the evening.

We all know most kids eagerly anticipate getting to the summer break, but many adults also look forward to having a chance to take time off and go on vacation.

One of the best things about summer to me is that it is a chance to gather and get to be part of our communities.

I spent a number of hours last week finding as many local activities as I could for our calendar of events in the Northern Utah Living section (see the L section) and discovered that there is a lot more going on than I realized.

Everywhere you turn, there is an opportunity to be around neighbors and friends, doing fun things.

It can be running a marathon or a 5K, relaxing on a blanket to watch an outdoor movie or concert, or watching the youngsters go sprinting after candy at one of the many local parades.

It can be taking an art class, learning more about plants or wildlife at a nature event or giving back by getting involved in a service opportunity.

It can be perusing the diverse collection of vehicles at an car show, trying something new from a local food truck or getting enthralled by a story at a nearby theater.

Or it can be any of a million other events and activities.

Now I know everything won’t go perfectly when you get lots of people together, even when they have the best intentions.

There will likely be disputes over parking, the placement of lawn chairs, and out-of-control children and adults. We’re just human beings, after all, and that means there will be some conflicts.

But I hope we don’t get mired in those things and are able to take in the bigger picture.

Because we are extremely fortunate, when you think about it.

On all levels, we have our challenges. Growth, social issues, politics, immigration, economics, environment, none of these things are going away. We need to work to find better ways to deal with them, certainly.

What really matters, though, is appreciating what we have.

Most of our communities are filled with wonderful people of all ages. Sure, we likely disagree about various issues, but so what? They are our friends and neighbors, people we can value despite any differences.

I love going to community events and just watching people interact, seeing the laughter and conversations and hugs and handshakes. There is something about seeing people come together that is so much more powerful than the fears and anxieties.

I hope you’ll join me, if possible, in the coming weeks and months. I hope you’ll find the time to invest in relationships with those who live and work and do the best they can in your neighborhood and across the state.

I hope this summer we emphasize how people should matter more than any of the divisions and fears that frequently get so blown out of proportion.

Now, wherever you are in northern Utah, go take a vacation from the fear and have a great time your fellow Utahns this summer.

Jared Lloyd is the managing editor of the Standard-Examiner and Daily Herald.