Be The Change You Want To See

I believe that we are all selfish at birth. From the second we come into this world, we seem to have an inherent, urgent need to look out for numero uno above all else. As a matter of fact, that need we have to put ourselves first could be the very reason that the human race has lasted as long as it has.

But I also believe that the vast majority of us are good and decent and kind. That we would much rather show our fellow human beings kindness than anything else. That, if given the opportunity, we'd all choose to help our fellow man, as opposed to judging, hurting, or worst of all, ignoring him.

So why does our society seem to be getting worse? And why can't we truly be the change we'd like to see?

Despite the hundreds of responses that could potentially answer these questions, I've chosen to simplify them down to 3 little words.

We are scared.

Change is scary. No matter the basis of the argument to the contrary, we do not like to change.

Anything.

At all.

Ever.

We are creatures of habit and even the most self-proclaimed free spirit has a routine that makes them the most comfortable. And if nothing else, at least comfortable is safe.

Vulnerability is frightening. No matter the circumstances, when we put ourselves out there, we are taking a risk. A risk that will undoubtedly derail the safety of our comfort zone. A comfort zone that we have already worked to reinforce with that routine of ours.

Loneliness can be downright terrifying. No one wants to be alone. We are social creatures that need one another in many more ways than one. Nothing is scarier than being completely alone in this world, with no one to turn to, no one to love.

But if 2020 taught us anything at all, it taught us that change is sometimes a necessity. Sometimes it's not optional, it's just how it is. And as easy (or as hard) as it was to get used to masks that cover half of our faces, obstruct our breathing, and fog our glasses, we can all get accustomed to paying it forward too.

We can all make compassion and kindness a bigger part of our routine.

Imagine what a wonderful world it could be if we did just that.

The kindness I am referring to doesn't have to be expensive, or even an expense at all. There is no price assigned to decency. There's no price tag on compassion, no minimum due on caring. All of these things will cost you nothing but time and effort, both of which will be paid back to you in due time if we all subscribed to this way of life.

The Gift of Giving

Because I am a giver, I already know that I get more from giving than from receiving. I know that the feeling that I get when I know that I have helped someone is worth 10 times whatever it took from me to do it in the first place. I know that this feeling cannot be bought or faked and that it makes my whole being smile. I know that it feeds my soul.

I know all of these things and yet I STILL do not give enough.

The Beauty of Receiving

Although I would personally prefer to give than to receive, there have been many times in my life that I have been blessed with gifts of kindness, gifts of compassion. Most recently, the local fire department gifted me with 40 Christmas presents for my 3 girls.

In the clutches of a global pandemic, when I didn't know whether or not I could provide for my kids, I was given this incredible gift.

I have to tell you, it was nice to enjoy receiving as well.

Let's all make an effort.

So, armed with the knowledge of what both giving and receiving can do, I challenge you to be that change. To go out of your way for someone, expecting nothing in return.

The gal that's behind you at the toll booth, the one that gave you a mild case of road rage? Pay her toll.

The guy that is $1.07 short at the cashier when you are already late? Help him out.

The person that always has that "will work for food" sign on your corner? Ask him anything at all about his life & then share a meal with him.

Let's collectively cast our fear and preconceived notions aside for the better. Live a good karmic existence. Step out of your comfort zone for the good of our world and take a chance on change.

Our world may depend upon it.