I know this world is filled with hate and meanness, but that's only half of it. We exist in duality and we need to also imagine a better world and work to make it better. We can all do something to elevate humanity, to change the world.
Some have the means to run for office, or give millions to help the poor. Some of us can't. But don't despair, small acts of kindness make a difference, too. There are so many things we could easily do to make the world a better place. Most are not flashy, but it all adds up. Contribute to a food bank. Use less plastic. Vote blue. Don't allow family or friends make racist or sexist remarks in your house. Take a stand. What else?
Patty Smith on the Late Show a few nights ago!!!
Donate blood.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in university, just a kid struggling with anxiety and intermittent self-esteem, I happened upon a mobile blood donor clinic set up on campus, and made my first donation. They praised me and gave me a sticker and I felt like they did more for me than I did for people needing blood. About a week later, the The Ecole Polytechnique school shooting occurred in Montreal where the killer targeted women. The convergence of those two experiences galvanized my outlook on the value of a collective social consciousness as something that not only benefits others, but also myself.
Great idea!!!
DeleteI think something small is much better than nothing at all, and a million something smalls add up to something big.
ReplyDeleteThey do, they really do.
DeleteDo you subscribe to Patti Smith on Substack? I get a kick out of her chatty little ... well ... chats.
ReplyDeleteI don't. I will definitely check it out. Thanks.
DeleteDo you think there was ever a time in human history where we did not need to be reminded of how to be kind?
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't. My take on this is: Some battles can never be won, but they still have to be fought.
DeleteVolunteer somewhere.
ReplyDeleteGood one.
DeleteSmile. Always smile. Smiles are contagious. If everybody was smiling no one would be unhappy or hateful. I am smiling at you right now. And I didn't even spend a penny.
ReplyDeleteI like that.
DeletePatti Smith wrote and sung a stirring song. Songs like that make a difference. Thank you so much for posting that video!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to you, am!!!
DeleteOne thing Jenny and I do is donate regularly to Médecins Sans Frontières, who do amazing work in numerous crisis-ridden countries. We also give money to the Woodland Trust, which plants trees and protects trees and woods.
ReplyDeleteThose sound like really good organizations to support.
DeleteBe a helper. And remember to smile.
ReplyDeleteSimple but effective.
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