Can We Make a Difference in the World?

Hey friends! It's been a long time, and I'm not sure I can see regular blogging in sight. But I am excited to share what one of my amazing friends, Oasis, shared with me! I appreciate her honest approach and lighthearted way of writing, and she has such a good message:

One of my favourite quotes is "Be the change you want to see in the world," typically associated with Mahatma Gandhi. According to Ranseth, J (2015) Gandhi did not actually say that direct quote, however, the principle of the quote is what Gandhi stood for. So, whether Gandhi said it or not, whoever said it, it's still my favourite quote.

So, back to the question, 'Can we make a difference in this world?' A lot of people are overwhelmed by the question, 'If you could make the world a better place, what would you do and why?'. When asked, they look around and go, 'I don't know, I mean, there are so many things wrong with this world'.

Well, I can't blame them; there are a lot of negative things in this world and we could so very easily just give up, be complacent and say, 'Well, I'm not going to do anything because it's not like I'm going to make a difference'. When people answer with such lack of passion, I feel like pressing a buzzer and saying, 'Brrr, wrong answer'. Unfortunately, I've never had a buzzer handy and have to just nod in agreement with a smile on my face to cover up my disappointment. #Grin&BearIt

To me, the reasoning to such a track of thought is absolutely ridiculous. It's like saying to an environmentalist, 'Oh, don't tell me to put my rubbish in the bin, everyone isn't bothering to do it, so, me doing it isn't going to make a difference'. What has happened to care in this world? Have people lost all hope and meaning in life?

From my perspective, I see picking up rubbish as a movement to making the world a better place. If one puts rubbish in the bin, it's an example that has the potential to lead others to do the same. It may not, and that doesn't mean there is no point in doing it; one less bottle cap in the sea is one less for a turtle to choke on.

So, to make the world a better place, I would start where I am and make my world better. I would do this by giving people I meet in my life - stranger or friend, work colleague or family member, job provider or employer - my time and encouragement. I would make the world a better place by showing others that what they wear, what they own, what they buy, does not bring them value. What makes them valuable is who they are and what they bring to life.

Everyone on this earth is valuable and each one of us can make a positive difference to the world. This may sound whimsical, naive or cliche, but I doubt saying, "A fraction of people on this earth are valuable and only rich people in high places can make positive change" is going to provide the positive, feel-good vibes I'm aiming for, plus, I'd be lying.

Here's another quote I'd like to share, by a woman who I'd never heard of before, but I'd probably be friends with her because she seems pretty cool. 'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has' - Margaret Mead. Her statement reminds me of Rosa Parks who started the movement against segregation on buses; apparently she didn't mean to, she just wanted a seat because her legs were tired, but it got the job done! Sometimes, just being yourself and standing up makes a difference!

In conclusion, yes! we can make a difference to this messed up world, one step at a time. It doesn't even mean we have to go out of our way to do so either. Just by putting a bit more love into your work or adding a few extra sprinkles on your baked cupcakes for someone's birthday or picking up a piece of rubbish, could be the positive change that brings a smile to someone's face and your own.

Thanks so much for your encouragement, Oasis! I really like the emphasis on doing the best with the opportunities we have. Changing the world doesn't have to complex and unattainable - it's the little things we do consistently that make the biggest difference. Never underestimate the impact you have!

How do you find yourself changing the world? Are you ever overwhelmed with all the darkness and hate that's present sometimes (me too!)? What's one way someone has lightened your life before? And what's been happening for you, seeing as it's been so long since I've posted? I think of you all often. xx 

Reflections on New Beginnings

I’m sitting outside on the veranda. It’s gently raining, calming the dust and wind of earlier, soothing the heat. The sound and smell of falling rain reminds me of new beginnings. It’s kind of late to be talking about new beginnings – ‘most everyone wrote those posts a month or two ago. But this passing storm reminds me that there’s no wrong time to start over, begin afresh, experience new inspiration. 

We’ve had a lot of summer storms the past couple of weeks. I’m not a fan of storms, generally speaking, but the rain, the change in temperature, the freshness it brings to the earth – there’s nothing more refreshing after a morning of dusty wind and humidity as the storm brewed. Maybe that’s how it goes with life as well. There are parts of change, of new beginnings, I dislike. It can be uncertain, uncomfortable. If I could see a clear transition from ‘this’ to ‘that’ with both clearly defined, and the exact steps to move forward, I might let go. But what happens when you feel like it’s a fresh start, but you can’t quite see where you’re going, what it’s the beginning of?

That’s how I’m feeling right now. I’m learning more of what God has for me, but there’s still so much in the haze. I can see a couple of steps forward, but I have no idea about the rest of it, or what the destination even is. For so long this is what has kept me from beginning; I wanted the whole picture so I could plan and organize – and procrastinate and freak out. I am a pro at finding excuses and believing them until I can see no way forward. But that’s all they are: excuses. 

Imagine if the storm around me operated that way. I don’t feel like raining today – who knows if it will even reach the ground! Maybe nobody will notice it. All my effort will be wasted! Or I might have to go through a wall of dust! That’s so hard and gross! It’s ludicrous to think about. God doesn’t make excuses – He says, He does. Nature carries His word through, even though it’s been thousands of years since He spoke it into action. 

We were made to operate the same way, and deep inside we know that. We feel disappointed when we don’t carry through with the dreams and visions God has given us. This only leaves one option: excuses are from the enemy. He sees the powerful difference for good we have if we follow through, so he tries to stop us. Therefore, if we are facing a barrage of excuses, we can be sure God is up to something good in us. They’re actual proof that something profitable lies on the other side. 

That’s the new beginning I can feel in my bones – a time to not let excuses win. To be like the rain, falling as God wills, come clouds, dust, evaporation. Because with Him, nothing is a failure, nothing returns without accomplishing what He has intended for it. May the same be said of me.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth no thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to th eater: so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:9-11

The rain has come down heavy now, the mist blowing in on my face. It’s cool. It’s refreshing. It whispers the hope of new beginnings. 

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It's been awhile again, lovely people - how are you going? What have you been learning recently? How do you feel about the new year?