What to do with all of this? Maybe we read part of an article or see a news story and take a moment to acknowledge it but feel discouraged or defeated so we continue our day with work, errands, chores, social interactions, parenting, and other musings of life which take priority over what we've learned. Perhaps a portion of us will be affected by the news in a way that inspires activism or changes to our daily routines in hopes of helping a particular issue. And some of us will be moved deeply by the constant reminders of the condition of our world; reading every article, piecing them together into a bigger picture of what homo sapiens are doing to each other and the planet. This hyperawareness might overwhelm us with feelings of anxiety, depression and helplessness, but it can also motivate us into action, tackling issues of the global crises we know humanity faces.
Citizens at every point on the spectrum, billions of us, contribute to our current situation for better or worse. Many of us fluctuate, doing better some days and worse other days. In certain areas we could be doing really well and in others, not so much. It isn't always easy but we need only strive for improvement, not perfection. We are an intelligent species with the ability to learn, adjust, grow and change. Our habits and behaviors are not chiseled out of stone but even if they were, the right tools would allow us to carve new ones. One thing I urge humanity to do is emphasize the importance of focusing our energy on inspiration and motivation rather than feelings of frustration or apathy.
Informational resources are out there. The how-to's, the products, companies, initiatives, leaders, support, others who are trying - better options are becoming more plentiful and accessible as the urgency becomes more apparent. Steps toward sustainability on personal and mass scales are attainable for a lot of us, even if availability is often too limited to those with certain privileges. It may be impossible for some people wanting to help to find the means to do it, while at the same time there are people who do have the means and don't help. All I can say is, I hope that is changing. Our voices and our actions can spark that change. It's incredible how fast the status quo can transform when the masses demand it. With ingenuity and support, spectacular innovation is possible. I envision a future where sustainability is not only affordable but encouraged and rewarded in all facets of our lives.
With that said, this post is not meant to discourage or point fingers but to motivate and inspire all of us, no matter where we are in our journey of awareness and action. Take the first step, or more small steps, or a giant leap toward making a positive impact on this universal home of ours. I began writing this blog because, well, I like to write and I'm passionate about the Earth and sustainability, but also to remind everyone who reads it that our individual actions matter. They matter because there are billions of us making many choices every day that add up throughout our lifetime, and because each action sends out ripple effects which affect and/or influence the life-choices of others, and so on.
But most importantly, our thoughts, choices and actions matter because we make them consciously. We have control over what we think, say and do. We can't take that for granted. Our autonomy is powerful and we must never forget it. Especially when systems tend to restrict options more than create them for so many people in all sorts of situations, attempting to weaken our strength of unity and influence. We must keep up the good work and always remember ECO-MAD: Exert Conscientious Options - Make A Difference!!
It's past time time to exercise the power we have in order to shift our standards so the paradigm includes everyone, as well as considers the health of this planet we live on. Send out more than ripples if you can, create tidal waves that lift others up and carry them over the barriers holding them back. We can utilize our individual acts to push for the necessities of a thriving global society such as equity, justice, cooperation, innovation and sustainability. What we have to do is think outside of ourselves, conceptualize the bigger picture and include all other living things in our thoughts with compassion. We are part of this living universe, not separate from it.
