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!
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