It’s been on my mind a lot lately, this idea of making the world a better place. And it’s not really a new subject on this site anyway. We’ve talked about kindness (here), being a good person (here), as well as educating yourself and speaking up against injustice (which you can find here). But making the world a better place is a broad topic. And as such, there’s obviously more to the concept.
“I’m only one person”
We all get down on ourselves from time to time. In fact, it’s part of the human experience to feel small, discouraged, and unempowered. I’ve heard it so many times, “what can I really do to change the world? I’m just one person!” And it’s true. You are.
I don’t want to get too idealistic over here. We’re all just human. We’re all just simple individuals with our own ideas and values and opinions. But the only way that the world has ever changed was when an individual or group of individuals made it change. And that’s where this idea falls flat.
Where to start
The fact is, even as a modest, everyday person, you have power. You have talents, you have influence over the people around you. And most of all, over yourself. I always hear people quoting Ghandi, saying “be the change you wish to see in the world.” And I love hearing that, but I’ve heard it a little bit differently. “Become the change you wish to see in the world.” I’m not saying that’s the actual right way, but it’s how I’ve heard it.
The change in nuance for me is impactful. Because there are going to be times in life where you feel…behind. Like you should have accomplished more, grown more, understood more by now. But you can only ever start where you’re at. You need to meet yourself there. It’s not self-deprecation to admit you’re not where you want to be or that you need to grow. If anything, it’s a more evolved kind of self-love. (You can read more about that concept here, if you’re interested.)
But how can I change the world?
So, say you’ve done the work and you’re finally walking your talk. There’s a time and a place where that is all that you can really do. To be an example for others to look at. (And you can read about that here.) But there’s also a time for action. And if you want the most basic, action based paradigm, it’s this: to make this world a better place, you either have to create something, or build on something that already exists. And I think this is a pretty big dilemma sometimes, or at least, I know it has been for me. Because it’s an ego trip sometimes, isn’t it?
Just being a part of somebody else’s thing and riding along with them doesn’t feel like a grand enough gesture. Like, who’s going to save the world if we’re all just a bunch of followers? But when you look at the other option, of building something, you might be in over your head. The truth is, we all have our own talents and capabilities. And I truly believe everyone is able to add something to this world if they look into themselves deeply enough to figure out what that could be for them. I encourage you to do that work for yourself, because honey, this world needs the gift that only you can offer it. So please, build something of your own!
But if you know that you’re in over your head, consider that maybe you can just pull back and add to whatever is worthwhile out there right now. It might take some research to find, but there are many movements and organizations that would love your help. And it doesn’t mean that you’re less of an awesome person just because you didn’t make it. You, just being yourself, have the power to nourish the world around you. Nobody can please everyone or save this world all by themselves. But everyone can help make it a better place. You included.
