If you’re like me, you often feel overwhelmed by all the things you ought to be doing to make the world a better place.
Like you ought to care about social justice, the environment, and the problems of people around you. You ought to purchase fair trade products, live green, eat local produce, and support microbusinesses. You ought to get involved with local ministries to the disadvantaged, send letters to your legislators, and take casseroles to ailing neighbors.
etcetera, etcetera
Guilt, guilt, guilt!
So instead of facing all those “oughts”, we find ourselves frozen with indecision and guilt.
Why don’t we do something?
- We have analysis paralysis. There are too many options, too many needs, too many worthy causes. Which ones should we choose? How do we know if we chose the best options?
- We’re too busy to deal with it. Making a difference takes time and effort, both of which are in short supply. Have you seen my weekly schedule!?!
- Making a difference will cost us something. Convenience. A premium price. Time that could have been spent binge-watching on Netflix.
Enough with the guilt and the excuses! We are not responsible for fixing the planet, but we are responsible for upholding our values and doing what good we can, where we are, with what we have. Instead of wallowing in guilt and overwhelm, pick one small action that you can do right now, to make the world a better place.
Doing something is better than doing nothing
Forget finding the “best” choice. Stop over-analyzing or second-guessing. Just do something. Choose an action that:
- Is motivated by your heart, passions and values, not one that is motivated by guilt or someone else’s values
- You can accomplish today.
A dozen simple, small “somethings” to make your world a better place TODAY
- Actually remember to take reusable shopping bags into the store and use them.
- Pick up litter along a road you frequent. (Do it safely! Consider good visibility and volume of traffic.)
- Write one letter to one legislator about an important issue.
- Buy something you need from a local small business instead of from the big national store.
- Shop for a gift (an upcoming birthday or Mother’s Day?) at a site that deals in fair trade or microbusiness handicrafts. Here are a few to try: Ten Thousand Villages Fair Trade Winds The Little Market Fair Trade Federation
- Find a more ethical source for one product you regularly consume. Google “fair trade coffee” or search Amazon for “fair trade chocolate.” Don’t forget that local businesses may have ethically sourced or sustainable products. Ask them for details.
- While you are shopping, buy some extra groceries and take them to a local food pantry. (First check their published lists of what they need.)
- Talk to a friend who is involved in a volunteer activity you are potentially interested in. Find out what it takes, and why it could be worth it. Discuss the possibility of joining them the next time they serve so you can try it out.
- Visit someone who needs a little encouragement. While you’re there, ask if there is any small job you can do for them. (Bring in the mail? Run an errand? Lift something heavy?)
- Make a casserole and put in the freezer, so you’re prepared the next time a need comes across your radar.
- Set up an Amazon Smile account by selecting a charitable cause. (Any legit non-profit organization should count. Look for one you care about.) Then remember to go through Amazon Smile when purchasing. Each time you do, a small percentage of your purchase will go to that cause.
- Sign up to be an organ donor. If you always meant to, but haven’t done it, simply visit the organ donor registry site. If you’re not sure, you can visit the site to verify your status.
What will you do today to make the world a better place?
How about taking another small step tomorrow?
