JUST DO SOMETHING
We may be worried, scared, outraged, sad, disgusted and horrified about what’s happening in our world, but we are not helpless to make change. There are those who put profit and their own aggrandizement over the well-being of people and the planet, but we have individual and collective power to overcome this force. This month I feature the voices of people who inspire, encourage and give good advice for troubled times. They also give us guidance about how we can help create a better world.
The wisdom of Joanna Macy:
"This is a dark time, filled with suffering and uncertainty. Like living cells in a larger body, it is natural that we feel the trauma of our world. So don’t be afraid of the anguish you feel, or the anger or fear, because these responses arise from the depth of your caring and the truth of your interconnectedness with all beings.. . . You don't need to do everything. Do what calls your heart; effective action comes from love. It is unstoppable, and it is enough."
I regularly read "Today's Edition Newsletter by Robert Hubbell," whose presentations are factually informative and always end on a positive note. Here are his Concluding Thoughts on Friday, March 18th.
“Although we should give ourselves regular breaks from the constant stream of news, we cannot afford the luxury of withdrawing from the struggle for long periods of time. Yes, our struggle is challenging, but the alternative—giving up—is simply not an option. Follow when you can, lead if you are able, and rest when necessary. And then rejoin the fight. To the extent possible during these unsettled times, I hope you can find peace and comfort with friends and family this weekend. Talk to you on Monday!” Learn more and subscribe here.
“Today Do This! makes it everybody’s responsibility to change the world for the better.” This post is published every Friday. The authors write: “For too long, we’ve all been led to believe that we, as individuals, can’t do anything about the state of the world. We’re too small, too inexperienced, too ignorant of the situation, too lacking in talent or connections or influence. We don’t buy that. Each and every one of us — through our actions, or inaction — bears some responsibility for making the world how it is. And it’s our small individual actions today that create big collective change tomorrow."Read more here.
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Jessica Craven publishes "Chop Wood, Carry Water," which gives readers a daily action regarding legislation in the US Congress. She also briefly shares her personal thoughts which are always insightful and encouraging. Here’s some advice she posted in mid-March.
“It’s entirely normal to feel sad and scared right now. The world is in a terribly difficult place, and if one only watches or reads the news it can feel profoundly overwhelming. The way I get through it is, as Mr. Rogers said, to 'look for the helpers.' They are everywhere. Once I find them I try to help them. It immediately takes me out of my crippling sadness and fear. For me this ‘help the helpers’ approach is always the answer. Whether it’s helping those helping Ukrainians, helping good elected officials do their jobs, helping advance great causes, or helping great candidates who want to improve the world, there are so many ways to serve the cause of good.” Subscribe here.
My own concluding thoughts:
Don’t give up or give in to despair, which leads to inaction. Those who want to keep business as usual and control the agenda want just that.
Do something, however small, to contribute to the well-being of people, all life and the planet.
As Jessica Craven says, "Our voices matter. Our pushback matters. Don't forget it."
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