Unless you live in a very remote area and are essentially off the grid, you know that our world is facing at least two major challenges—climate change and political corruption. But before you stop reading because you think I’m going to get political (I’m not) and/or tell yourself neither of those have anything to do with you, I beg to differ. I do agree it is tempting to just pretend everything is just fine, or distract ourselves into believing those issues are someone else’s problem. However, I don’t think that’s the SMART approach. That’s because it is obvious to me that the people and the world around us have a significant influence on our wellbeing, our health and particularly our future. So regardless of what country you live in or what side of the fence (wall) you happen to be on, you and the people you care about are being touched by world events. What do we do? I believe there are three things we all can do to stay sane, relatively happy and hopeful in the days ahead.
#1 Consider the fact that “everything is connected.” I’m sure you have heard that statement before but do you really believe it? Thom and I have been watching a lightweight tv show on Netflix this summer called The Good Witch. We usually watch it right before bedtime because the stories always have a happy ending and there is absolutely never any violence. The major character (The “good witch”) is named Cassie and in nearly every episode she says, “Everything is connected.” And guess what? As the show unfolds that idea eventually plays out in a positive way in every circumstance.
Of course, the reason this phrase (everything is connected) has become so popular is because it is being written about and talked about by nearly every positive thinker in the world today. That includes motivational speakers and authors, as well as those in the New Thought, New Age and even the more positive traditional religions themselves. It’s everywhere! But it’s not new. This idea of connection, or as it is often called “Oneness,” has been a part of numerous philosophies, religions and mystery schools for thousands of years.
Even science is on board with the idea. Ever heard that a butterfly flapping its wings in New Mexico could theoretically cause a hurricane in China? Or how about when astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson says, “…we are all connected—to each other biologically, to the earth chemically, and to the rest of the Universe, atomically.”
Okay, so say you agree that everything is connected. How does that help us deal with the challenges of today? The obvious one is that we can’t hide from what’s going on in the world. I’m not a big fan of Ayn Rand, but one of her quotes is, “Man is free to choose not to be conscious, but not free to escape the penalty of unconsciousness: destruction.” Ultimately I believe we are all connected—to each other, and to nature itself. And the future of womankind and our planet likely depends on the choices we make (or don’t make) from today on out.
#2 Do something, anything. Yes I’ve written about this before. But this last week Thom and I participated in the Global Climate Strike to raise awareness about the climate crisis our entire world faces. Not only was this rally the largest climate protest in history, it was initiated by one young woman from Sweden named Greta Thunberg. In true “the power of one” fashion, Greta began her world-wide conversation and corresponding action towards climate change awareness at the tender age of 15. In just one year (!) her words and actions sparked a generation of young people (and all of those who support them) to rally. It’s claimed that 4 million people participated in over 163 countries around the world on September 20, 2019. I am proud to say I was one of them.
Of course, you might not be able to go to a rally or even want to, but you can call your representatives about ideas you support. You can shop sustainably; you can make conscious choices that support your values, you can help others in need, you can write or talk to others about what must be done—it doesn’t really matter what you do—just do it! Greta is proof that each of us can make a difference—but we have to start by taking action.
I believe something powerful happens when we start taking actions that support our deeply held beliefs. First we begin feeling more hopeful. Then we often start to see that our actions do help and support more than we realize. When we look around we start to recognize we are not alone and that we are connected. That all helps us overcome any feelings of powerlessness. The more we act, no matter how small, the more we realize that we can make a difference. Don’t believe me? Ask Greta Thunberg.
#3 Remember you get to make it up. In other words, we always have a choice. We might not like our choices, but we are never without them—be they internal or external. And if you are not deciding for yourself, who is?
One of my projects this summer is working on my next book. The title of the book will be You Get To Make It Up—A SMART Living 365 Guide To Creating A Meaningful and Happy Life. Like three of my previous books, this book will be a compilation of the best blog posts I’ve written on this topic. But make no mistake from the title, this book isn’t about just staying positive and pretending that you can stand in front of a speeding car and not get run over. Instead it is a reminder to me, and everyone who will listen, that we have the choice about whether we passively stand there and let the world, (or others) run over us, or we do what we can, where we are, with what we have.
Ultimately, even when we feel we have little influence on the circumstances we face, we can do as Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl said, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” Let’s never forget we get to make it up!
I don’t think it is ever SMART to pretend that we never have to face challenges both in either our personal life or in the world. Instead, why not try to remember a statement by a dear old friend of mine who said, “We all go through hell now and then. Just don’t stop and buy a condo!” It could be that the SMARTest thing we can do is to never forget that we are all connected, that we get to make it up, and to stay actively and positively engaged with life as much as possible. From where I stand, that is our best hope for a positive future for us all.
Kathy, I love this post, and the practical points you make. Of course everything is connected; all of us (and the plants and animals) are being impacted by the climate emergency, and if we continue on our current trajectory, it’s going to get worse. But, as you point out we all have the power to do something about it, even if we start small. Because, after all, our human social practices around the world are simply the sum of everyone’s choices and behaviours. We all are making it up together, and we all can choose to do it differently and more sustainably, and alter our path forward.
My latest major action is that I joined the federal Green Party here in Canada, and gave 50 or 60 hours of my time as a volunteer in the recent federal election. Previously, I haven’t been very politically active, but this was something meaningful that I could do to make a difference, so I did it.
Jude
Hi Jude! Good for you for taking such positive steps to help the planet. And I honestly believe that when we take action, we help to encourage our family and friends to do the same. Who knows who you will be positively influencing and at the same time making a difference. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy, Denial is not a SMART approach. I appreciate all thoughts, suggestions and “Tools” to move forward. I love, “everything is connected.” The message is simple, straight forward, yet contains deep meaning. Greta Thunberg does remind me how one person can make a difference. (despite controversy)
You have made a difference in my life and many other lives, Kathy, for many reasons. Information, inspiration, thought-provoking and helping me question many of my beliefs and philosophies. Thank you! Now I have to find out about these beeswax wraps:)
Hi Erica! I think it is good to remember that we ALL influence the people around us (including the people who read our blogs.) We have the ability to make that a positive or something else. I guess you have to know which side I am on…and I know which side you are on too. Thank YOU! ~Kathy
These are, indeed, three good tools. And, they are all connected to each other as well. It all starts with ourselves – whether it’s our attitude, our outlook, or making a change. Based on your posts, books, and actions, you are certainly making a difference, Kathy! Let’s hope everyone else will follow you.- and Greta!
Hi Liesbet! Thank you! I’m hoping we are each doing our part wherever we are. And it doesn’t necessarily have to be big does it? Of course that reminds of Gandhi’s quote, “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” Easy to say but not always easy to do! ~Kathy
Just read a Friday favorites post that featured reusable straws. Have seen reusable ‘ziplock’ baggies on Amazon. Thinking those are small ways I do begin to do my part.
Have not heard of The Good Witch but looked it up and glad to see it is a series that has several years of episodes. We are looking for a good series to watch. Glad to learn of this one and I appreciate the message of connectivity. Thank for for sharing.
Hi Leslie! I think every little thing we do helps because when we do it, we are affirming to ourselves that we care about our environment and other people living on it. And at least for me, sometimes it encourages me to do more the next time.
And not sure you’ll like the Good Witch. It is pretty sappy really. But like said, if you want to watch a “feel-good” show it definitely qualifies. Sometimes my brain needs a rest! Enjoy. ~Kathy
Like Suzanne, I’m not comfortable joining a big crowd, even one that gathers in support of an idea I believe in. It just feels like virtue signaling to me. I protest by not driving an SUV, but instead drive my 30+ mpg sedan at the speed limit to save gas compared to driving at 70 or 75. But … honestly, I’m probably just virtue signaling in my own way. Still and all, like you point out, something is better than nothing.
Hi Tom! I get that protests, marches and rallies aren’t for everyone. I never attended ANY of them until about 10 years ago…just after the invasion of Iraq. But both Thom and I felt very strongly that is wasn’t a good thing…and we were careful to attend a PRO-PEACE rally rather than an “anti” anything. And since then we’ve attended all three women’s marches and a couple of environmental ones too. I think the reason they have been so positive for me (who grew up in a very traditional family who never marched for ANYTHING!) is that I live in a fairly conservative area and when I get together with a group of others who feel passionately about some of the same things I do it is very uplifting and encouraging for me. Again, I would never attend a predominately “anti” march against anyone or anything…I think that projects the wrong kind of energy. To me an affirmative rally is about community…but that’s me. Of course you also raise another interesting point…is it “virtue signaling?” When we think about it…isn’t every action we take (or don’t take) a form of signaling? Just writing this post could be considered “virtue signaling” or for that matter, any post I write signals something, doesn’t it? I guess at my age I’m becoming more and more willing to signal values that are important to me and if others agree…great! I’m not to worried about the others because I’m guessing they have their own form of signaling! Hmmmmmm…now that I think about it, this would make for a very interesting blog post. You or me???? 🙂 ~Kathy
Perhaps we both should! But your thoughts are more fully formed, so you go ahead.
hahahah! Oh no…if my thoughts are more fully formed we are in trouble 🙂
Hi Kathy, I am a big fan of Ayan Rand and have read all of her fiction books and her published journals. She promoted personal accountability, productivity, innovation and independence from an oppressive and corrupt government. Many may see her as selfishly engulfed in her own pursuit of happiness, but I applaud her strength and conviction. She stood for something, whether we agree or not, just as Greta does. Rand, like Greta was awake to the cancers that are slowly eating away at every aspect of our society and our world. That awareness is truly what matters. I am not big on protests, and I feel that actions speak louder than words, so I will continue to do my small part in my little corner of the world to make a positive contribution in whatever way I can. Unfortunately, too many people choose to ‘not be conscious’ and it hits much closer to home than climate change. You always have the most thoughtful posts to share. Thank you for doing your part!
Hi Suzanne! Thank you for clarifying the work of Ayn Rand. I agree that her message of personal accountability, innovation and independence are very powerful. I guess I just object how she has been used as a spokesperson for the conservative parties. At the time she was writing her words against imperialistic powers was very powerful and relevant. It’s just interesting how some of those same ideas can be turned around depending upon how and when they are used? And I know protesting isn’t on everyone’s list of helpful…but during the last couple of years I have found for me that they make me feel like a visual proof that I am standing up for something I believe in no matter what. And I have also felt a bond with others who believe the same way. But again, I know that is a personal preference so I think it really just depends on doing what empowers you personally and doing what you can, where you are, with what you have. Thanks for your thoughts on this. ~Kathy
In these politically turbulent times it is easy to become angry and overwhelmed. I do find it helpful to do something, even little things like choosing what I buy or how I use resources.
If you want to read a book that really illustrates how we are all connected, check out the novel (warning, it is long) The Overstory by National Book Award Winner Richard Powers. It is about trees and how everything is connected to trees and how people are connected to everything. It really made me see things in a different way.
Hi Michele! Thanks for the recommendation. I haven’t heard of that book before but I will definitely check it out. I LOVE hearing stories about our connection and also how we can be more empowered. Thanks for sharing that! ~Kathy
The amount of derision thrown at Greta is stunning. She is a true hero but her message is one that threatens the comfortable story that some want to continue believing. I know that I can do more (thanks, Donna for the introduction to beeswax wraps!), as can we all. It takes commitment, diligence, and the understanding that we are truly interconnected and we are all in this together. Thank you, Kathy, for an important post.
Hi Janis! Yes, I am amazed at the criticism that Greta is getting…but the good news is, with her single-minded focus she just carries on…I can learn a lot from her! And while I agree that we can all do more, I also think it is important that we not feel overwhelmed by everything we could/should be doing and instead keep focus on what we can do TODAY. It is so easy when taking up the mantle of doing good to “should on ourselves.” Far better to put one foot in front of the other and carry on. And as other research proves, happy people tend to do more and are more effect than unhappy people. I think we can do both don’t you? ~Kathy
My pleasure!
Absolutely, we CAN do something and it is all connected!
Hi Gary! I haven’t talked to you in a while. I hope you and Robert are doing good and can’t wait to reconnect when we get back home. Yes, we are connected! ~Kthy
Greta is a great role model for everyone! Very thoughtful Kathy. I agree we are all connected. Realizing that can also help break down prejudices.
Hi Haralee! Isn’t Greta amazing? And it’s equally wonderful that she is not the only young woman who is being a champion for the environment these days. I hope they all know that we admire them and hopefully we can do something to support the important work they are doing in the world. ~Kathy
Hi, Kathy – This is a timely and very powerful post. I especially like your point “Do something, anything.” To that, I would add, “Start small and start where you are — just start.” And while you are doing something, frankly engage in discussion with others. Have a supply of bullet points that you can use for these discussions. I strive hard to avoid using single-use plastics. As part of this endeavour, I wrap leftovers in beeswax wraps (or alternatives), and refuse these plastics when I shop. When people comment (e.g. “but beeswax wraps are so expensive”), I try to engage in a non-defensive meaningful conversation. The bullet points that I keep in my pocket for this one include:
• Plastics are made from non-renewable resources such as crude oil, gas and coal,
• Enough petroleum to power a car for 1km goes into the production of just under 9 plastic bags.
• Single-use plastics take from 20 to 1,000 years to break down.
•Thousands of birds and sea-life are killed by discarded plastic items each year.
• It’s the small steps that we do that make the biggest difference.
• And as a bonus, my food stays fresh, longer in their beeswax wraps!
Hi Donna! I’m not at all surprised that you too feel that it’s time for us all to “do something!” And thank you so much for all of your great suggestions. Including of course your encouragement to interact with others in a non-defensive way. After all, if people get angry at one another how do we ever work together? Like it or not we are all in this together! ~Kathy