I've been spending a lot of time thinking about what positive change I can make on the world. I feel I have a responsibility, more than that of just being kind and doing good. We have it in us. And if it is in me, too, then I need to use it. (Is this just a middle aged version of a biological clock ticking: babies created and my genes passed on - now to make a larger impact on the world?) I heard Greg Mortenson's name in the media regularly last month as he promoted his new book, Stones Into Schools, and his continuing mission to build schools and promote peace. At the airport, I picked up a magazine, Outside, that was devoted to people "who are changing the world." and how they are doing it. Weeks later, as I drove to skiing one evening last week, the BBC's One Planet was on the radio discussing the status of several people's efforts to stop the use of animals in medical and other scientific research (it's not going very well).
So, these stories are swirling around in my head. People, ordinary people, yet with a spark to make something happen, create something that had not existed before, change something that their gut and mind cry out is WRONG and make noise about it until the rest of us listen. Wow.
What can I do?
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hi jennifer - as i tell my students - change doesn't have to be on a massive or memorable scale, any act of quality is an act of quality changes the world just through its arrival in the world because acts of quality aren't bound by scale they simply are. so a little commitment to improve something in your own world is a good thing. go for it jennifer. steven
ReplyDeleteI read a little exerpt the other day about a Japanese term called 'Kaizen' - which means "committing to constant and never-ending improvement".
ReplyDeleteI have decided to make 'Kaizen' one of my New Year's resolution and resolved to commit to the daily practice of Kaizen, in every area of my life.
In my my own health and fitness. In my relationships with my family and friends. In my business, and in my personal and professional development.
Remember, your good health is the most valuable thing you have.
Your relationships with the people you love, and who love you will nourish your soul.
Your value to the world will be the basis on which free enterprise will reward you.
When you practice these disciplines of 'constant and neverending improvement' you will be helping the world (and its inhabitants) in ways that you didn't think possible.
So my advice for you Jennifer is to be relentless in your pursuit of Kaizen, and have a healthy, joyful and abundant 2010.
I read "Half the Sky" by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn and then chose some of the projects they profiled to give money to. Job training for Afghan women; midwife tools for a new graduate in Africa; helping to build a shelter for child prostitutes rescued from the sex trade in India. Small offerings, perhaps, but with a big potential for impact on the lives of women and girls and their communities.
ReplyDeleteChange the world? Very easy I think. Just try it!
ReplyDeleteI like your blog and I became a follower. If you like travelling please visit my travelin blog which is in Englis/Greek.
www.taxidiaris.blogspot.com
Kind regards. Philip
I guess if we're going to change the world, we need to change ourselves. If we want peace, we need to be peaceful within. Healthy Shift Worker has the idea. What's the line — "Be the change you want to see"?
ReplyDeleteStop the use of animals in research? That's going to be a tough one.