Denial, despair or action?

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How do you feel about social and environmental problems?

Some people deny there’s a problem — surely nature, God or the government will take care of things.

Others, maybe after learning a bit more, suddenly feel exactly the opposite: the problem is enormous, overwhelming, nothing can be done!

But both these extremes are emotional cop-outs — sad excuses for cynicism, apathy and inaction.

Each of us needs to find the middle ground: neither denial nor despair. To find the courage to care, but without letting our fears and uncertainties overwhelm us. In every situation, the answer is simple: to do the right thing, as best as we can.

Because that’s what being fully alive is all about.

Just do what you can, as best as you can. No more and no less. But really do it, grab it by the horns! No avoiding, making excuses, hiding your head in the sand.

Overflowing dumpster

Are you doing your best? Are you fully applying your gifts, your skills, your creativity? Are you leading, not waiting to be led? Could you take a leap, launch a project, even change careers to something more green and meaningful?

If our eyes are open, there’s no denying what needs to be done. And for better or worse, there’s no escape from this wonderful and troubling world. So let’s choose the third option, the only happy option: positive action.

Rather than worrying about the future, let’s focus on all the great, positive, meaningful things we can do, today.  Our guiding light need not be “can I save the world?”, it’s a self-defeating question to say the least. But rather: “Am I using my gifts, my life to its fullest, while I’m here on this planet?”

So let’s turn off the TV and other distractions. It’s time to stand up and take positive action in our homes, workplaces and communities, like never before. At this enormous moment in history, how can you and I rise to the challenge?

— Peter Blanchard


Find the light within yourself

“The question is not ‘can you make a difference?’ You already do make a difference. It’s just a matter of what kind of difference you want to make, during your life on this planet.” — Julia Butterfly Hill

“The world is changed by your example, not your opinion.” — Paulo Coelho

“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” — Edmund Burke

“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” — Dale Carnegie

“The future will be what you contribute to and create.” — Greg Lake

More: https://www.goodwork.ca/jobs/be-the-change-48066

What do you think? What is the right thing to do in these crazy times? Share your thoughts and comments

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