React up – I love that. These are wonderful points on how we can help to change the world, Susan. It strikes me that most of them relate to self-improvement and I truly believe that any great change has to start from within. We may be just stardust, but that is pretty magical stuff. How do I hope to change the world? By continuing to be a positive force in the lives of my children and their children, helping to nurture a love and respect for the environment within them and anyone else I can, and to teach people to find happiness, peace and solutions through creativity.
Isn’t ‘react up’ just marvelous, Tamuria! Just says it for me. And yes–all great change starts from within. Then, we take it local and global 🙂 You are a wonderful example of that!
Thank you for being someone who also is using your voice to rally others to use theirs, Susan! I have been so involved in all the causes that are dear to my heart, environmental rights, human rights and animal rights, in some simple ways, by signing and sharing petitions and donating money. I know after the election a lot of people wrote letters of thanks to Hillary and also donated to causes that will be most impacted by the new administration.
It appears to me that the future of the planet is at stake if more of us don’t take actions to support the very real climate change issues we are facing now. It’s amazing how many people still feel they are only one voice and can’t possibly make a difference. Imagine if all those individual voices banded together to show how powerful we are when we stand together for a common cause? Love that you subscribed to the New York Times and thanks for reminding people to follow credible news sources…not the stuff they see on social media. There is a great article in last weekend’s Teen Vogue you might really resonate with. A very well-documented piece called “Donald Trump is Gaslighting America”.
I appreciate how you are so committed to awakening and educating people to take action!
I so respect your continued work for those causes, Beverley–you’re a consistent voice, and that’s SO needed now. And yes–just imagine, just truly imagine, if everyone got involved, even in small ways. And now, with our designated EPA chair (whom, by the way, sued the agency), what could happen environmentally is truly scary. I’ve been an environmental activist since the early ’80s–before it was cool. And continued to be. And will continue on as well. You know, the planet will survive. But if we stay on this track, people won’t . . .
Excited to go read that article. Thank you!
Great post! I agree with you on teaching oneself about peace. IMO, we all have to take part on changing the world, big or small. After all there is only one world.
Opening our minds is truly everything, isn’t it, Adriana. Perhaps the world is not exactly as we see it, and being open to other viewpoints opens our world.
I have tried to explain to my oldest many times that one person speaking up can make a differene. And I believe everyone should be able to enjoy reading.
I love #5: “Teach Yourself Peace” It is on us. I am so glad to know you, and to be shoulder to shoulder with you and other fine men and women that are doing what we can, in our own small quiet ways, and sometimes even in our own not-so-small and not-so-quiet ways! Let’s use the power we’ve been give, to find inner peace, and to speak and to act!
LOL, Michael! So sad you’re older than Brian Bosworth. Very cute 🙂
Sigh on the singing. Or if all candidates these days had their own reality TV shows . . .
A great article that is so inspiring to me on how to change the world . I reflect back on my graduate school and how I always am passionate about the subject matter that I study and also do research on the side. As I grew older my priorities have shifted still pasionate about making our systems work for the underprivileged and for the people that need it the most. I am Grateful for what I have, but would like to do a little more. Thanks Great article.
I try to think of changing the world by contributing something on a small scale. Perhaps it’s by paying it forward. Sometimes it is donations. I wish I had a louder voice, but with it would come a ton of controversy and angst! I like your point about peace. If I spend too much time on social media or in the news, I am not peaceful. And I’m a lot happier at peace than I am when I’m angry! So, I’ve reduced my time on social media and away from the news. Staying informed is important, of course, so I check in with the world a couple times a week. 🙂
I’m smiling as I write Susan, because as a child I couldn’t wait to grow up and change the world. 🙂 I’d even recruited my parents for this purpose because I thought they were intelligent adults!
Of course Life happens and other concerns take priority but I never lost sight of the vision and after a very rewarding corporate career decided it was time to follow my vision. I doubt I’ll achieve what I wanted in this lifetime but if I’ve made a difference in even 1 person’s life, then its all worth it.
I read 2 newspapers daily to make sure I get the full view and watch both the national and international news channels to stay up to date with what’s going on in the world.
More importantly, I have my causes that I work for and contribute as part of my spiritual practice. Ultimately, it’s what we do at the grass root level that takes humanity forward. Loved your post.
I love all of that, Vatsala! I’m chucking at the vision of you recruiting your parents (them being intelligent adults!). What a wonderful, precocious child you were!
And look how that’s served you into adulthood–with you serving causes, and our world. Yes, life really is local, no?
Honestly, as I read your points, all that comes to my mind is my Christian walk. There are so many parallels – Use your gifts, broaden horizons, peace, do one thing, etc. Whatever ones’ views on religion, walking in faith does help the world. So, I will do my part, vote, stay informed, and reach out to others in need.
Hi Susan! I love that… “React up.” It is true that we can always choose to take the road toward greater wellbeing or the road to destruction. I like to remember the little story that says, “we have a bucket of water on one shoulder and a bucket of fuel on the other. When something happens we either throw one or the other.” Obviously one causes fire and explosions and the other puts out the fire and helps things to grow. And I think all your other suggestions are spot on too. I can’t help but believe that regardless of appearances…things are always working out for us. ” ~Kathy
Isn’t “React Up” just wonderful, Kathy. I just love Cris Collinsworth.
And I love the bucket analogy! Now THAT will stick in my mind. And I keep reminding myself too that things are always working out . . .
This may be a bit stream of consciousness, but it brought up a few things for me. 1) Maslow #9– I wonder if this explains how so many in dire straights fall for influences that aren’t good for them? Politically, socially, etc? They are so caught up in what happen TO them that they can’t see beyond what’s happening to others. 2) I read constantly. I was a lit student in grad school, so I still have the habit of reading several books a year. I think I average about a book or two a week. It really does open up your mind. I particularly enjoy historical fiction. I learn so much about other cultures just by reading about these crazy love stories and adventures set amongst real events and characters.
Very interesting thought, Jennifer! And quite possible, don’t you think? If you’re grasping on the lowest ladder in the rung, you’ll bit at most anything.
I love, love, love that you read so much! Warms my heart 🙂
Yes I truly believe that we can change the world with at least one of these ideas you have listed, Susan 🙂 Using our gifts is one that stuck out for me because it is one that is so easy for us to do 🙂 Utilizing what we know to help others is the best thing we can do to be that change we want to see in this big, beautiful world! Just take one act! Love your NEW mantra too!
you have some wonderful suggestions here. Thanks. It has been so long since I read or knew anything about Maslow’s Hierarchy. Thanks for pointing to #9 (concern for others). My favorites are to stay informed and to broaden our horizons, especially with literature.
We can change the world by making a difference in someone’s life. There are families in need of some help and they would appreciate any gifts we share. Happy Holidays!
I think this election woke up a lot of people. My daughter for one, who was never involved in politics and now following the news and reading books by Bernie Sanders, and others. This is a critical time for our country and how more people get involved.
‘We’re literally stardust’ – so true! We often forget. Thank you for reminding us with these tips so that we can react up and not pull each other down.
Sonya Kolodziejska
on December 19, 2016 at 11:23 am
‘But if you can quiet that monkey mind, many studies have shown that you also’ then all those points you made… that’s me right there!
A great read, thanks for sharing.
REACT UP! I love this so much. This year, I plan to slow down more and focus on learning more about what matters, not just the headlines in the news. One of my goals is to pick a topic and do a deep dive on learning what is really happening.
Such a wonderful post, Susan. Yes, we can all do these things. It takes so little time when compared to all the time we waste on things that do not contribute to bettering our own life and those who will come after us. The voting statistic was a surprise given how much rhetoric was flying in this campaign. People in other parts of the World envy our freedom, and yet we can let it so easily slip away by not voting.
I love the tip of 10 minutes a day reading some REAL news! I am going to start doing that. And one of the things I always loved most about reading fiction is how much I learn when I do. Things that have stayed with me long after I’ve read the book – things I never would have sought out on my own to learn about, I’m now glad I did!
Isn’t that just Truth with a capital T, Mindy–oh, what we learn from fiction! And enjoy ourselves doing it!
And yep, just 10 minutes a day of real news. If everyone did that, it would truly change the world . . .
I love your topic this week. Helping to change by being the change is a great possibility. You are right, it can be done one step at a time. It also reminds us that we are all part of a whole so whatever one does affects others.
React up – I love that. These are wonderful points on how we can help to change the world, Susan. It strikes me that most of them relate to self-improvement and I truly believe that any great change has to start from within. We may be just stardust, but that is pretty magical stuff. How do I hope to change the world? By continuing to be a positive force in the lives of my children and their children, helping to nurture a love and respect for the environment within them and anyone else I can, and to teach people to find happiness, peace and solutions through creativity.
Isn’t ‘react up’ just marvelous, Tamuria! Just says it for me. And yes–all great change starts from within. Then, we take it local and global 🙂 You are a wonderful example of that!
Voting and staying informed are so important. It drives me crazy when people don’t stay informed.
Doesn’t it, Neely. How different our world would be if everybody did!
Thank you for being someone who also is using your voice to rally others to use theirs, Susan! I have been so involved in all the causes that are dear to my heart, environmental rights, human rights and animal rights, in some simple ways, by signing and sharing petitions and donating money. I know after the election a lot of people wrote letters of thanks to Hillary and also donated to causes that will be most impacted by the new administration.
It appears to me that the future of the planet is at stake if more of us don’t take actions to support the very real climate change issues we are facing now. It’s amazing how many people still feel they are only one voice and can’t possibly make a difference. Imagine if all those individual voices banded together to show how powerful we are when we stand together for a common cause? Love that you subscribed to the New York Times and thanks for reminding people to follow credible news sources…not the stuff they see on social media. There is a great article in last weekend’s Teen Vogue you might really resonate with. A very well-documented piece called “Donald Trump is Gaslighting America”.
I appreciate how you are so committed to awakening and educating people to take action!
I so respect your continued work for those causes, Beverley–you’re a consistent voice, and that’s SO needed now. And yes–just imagine, just truly imagine, if everyone got involved, even in small ways. And now, with our designated EPA chair (whom, by the way, sued the agency), what could happen environmentally is truly scary. I’ve been an environmental activist since the early ’80s–before it was cool. And continued to be. And will continue on as well. You know, the planet will survive. But if we stay on this track, people won’t . . .
Excited to go read that article. Thank you!
Great post! I agree with you on teaching oneself about peace. IMO, we all have to take part on changing the world, big or small. After all there is only one world.
Absolutely–we have one world here! Teaching ourselves peace is paramount to facilitating peace in the world.
Clever article to open your mind to new possibilities and to learn new things. Thanks for sharing.
Opening our minds is truly everything, isn’t it, Adriana. Perhaps the world is not exactly as we see it, and being open to other viewpoints opens our world.
I have tried to explain to my oldest many times that one person speaking up can make a differene. And I believe everyone should be able to enjoy reading.
What a wonderful mom thing to do! Your children are lucky to have you. Thank you!
I love #5: “Teach Yourself Peace” It is on us. I am so glad to know you, and to be shoulder to shoulder with you and other fine men and women that are doing what we can, in our own small quiet ways, and sometimes even in our own not-so-small and not-so-quiet ways! Let’s use the power we’ve been give, to find inner peace, and to speak and to act!
It is up to us, isn’t it, Reba. I so love the work you’re doing as well. And what a great rallying call!
In every life there comes a moment when we’re acutely aware of our own mortality. For me, it was when I realized that I’m older than Brian Bosworth.
However, I’ll leave the place better than I found it. Why not?
Oh, and perhaps more Americans would vote if the candidates for president burst into song.
LOL, Michael! So sad you’re older than Brian Bosworth. Very cute 🙂
Sigh on the singing. Or if all candidates these days had their own reality TV shows . . .
Susan,
A great article that is so inspiring to me on how to change the world . I reflect back on my graduate school and how I always am passionate about the subject matter that I study and also do research on the side. As I grew older my priorities have shifted still pasionate about making our systems work for the underprivileged and for the people that need it the most. I am Grateful for what I have, but would like to do a little more. Thanks Great article.
OH, Lori, I love that you’re working for the people most in need! Now that is a worthy goal 🙂
I try to think of changing the world by contributing something on a small scale. Perhaps it’s by paying it forward. Sometimes it is donations. I wish I had a louder voice, but with it would come a ton of controversy and angst! I like your point about peace. If I spend too much time on social media or in the news, I am not peaceful. And I’m a lot happier at peace than I am when I’m angry! So, I’ve reduced my time on social media and away from the news. Staying informed is important, of course, so I check in with the world a couple times a week. 🙂
Now, see, those are all great things to do, Meghan! No wonder you’re always so even keel 🙂
I’m smiling as I write Susan, because as a child I couldn’t wait to grow up and change the world. 🙂 I’d even recruited my parents for this purpose because I thought they were intelligent adults!
Of course Life happens and other concerns take priority but I never lost sight of the vision and after a very rewarding corporate career decided it was time to follow my vision. I doubt I’ll achieve what I wanted in this lifetime but if I’ve made a difference in even 1 person’s life, then its all worth it.
I read 2 newspapers daily to make sure I get the full view and watch both the national and international news channels to stay up to date with what’s going on in the world.
More importantly, I have my causes that I work for and contribute as part of my spiritual practice. Ultimately, it’s what we do at the grass root level that takes humanity forward. Loved your post.
I love all of that, Vatsala! I’m chucking at the vision of you recruiting your parents (them being intelligent adults!). What a wonderful, precocious child you were!
And look how that’s served you into adulthood–with you serving causes, and our world. Yes, life really is local, no?
Honestly, as I read your points, all that comes to my mind is my Christian walk. There are so many parallels – Use your gifts, broaden horizons, peace, do one thing, etc. Whatever ones’ views on religion, walking in faith does help the world. So, I will do my part, vote, stay informed, and reach out to others in need.
I so agree, Robin. Without my spiritual walk, I’d be lost. You go!
Hi Susan! I love that… “React up.” It is true that we can always choose to take the road toward greater wellbeing or the road to destruction. I like to remember the little story that says, “we have a bucket of water on one shoulder and a bucket of fuel on the other. When something happens we either throw one or the other.” Obviously one causes fire and explosions and the other puts out the fire and helps things to grow. And I think all your other suggestions are spot on too. I can’t help but believe that regardless of appearances…things are always working out for us. ” ~Kathy
Isn’t “React Up” just wonderful, Kathy. I just love Cris Collinsworth.
And I love the bucket analogy! Now THAT will stick in my mind. And I keep reminding myself too that things are always working out . . .
I really need to work on my own peace. It’s probably the hardest thing on this list for me. That and knowing my gifts.
Personal peace is an ongoing challenge, isn’t it, Mary. But ah, find your gifts and use them!
Good article…and great tips of steps to if not affect at least stay informed and affect it a bit each in our own way.
Exactly, Katarina. We all have ways to affect our world!
Sorry, forgot the word ‘world’ in my comment above… 🙂
Laughing–my brain read the sentence with ‘world’ already in it!
This may be a bit stream of consciousness, but it brought up a few things for me. 1) Maslow #9– I wonder if this explains how so many in dire straights fall for influences that aren’t good for them? Politically, socially, etc? They are so caught up in what happen TO them that they can’t see beyond what’s happening to others. 2) I read constantly. I was a lit student in grad school, so I still have the habit of reading several books a year. I think I average about a book or two a week. It really does open up your mind. I particularly enjoy historical fiction. I learn so much about other cultures just by reading about these crazy love stories and adventures set amongst real events and characters.
Very interesting thought, Jennifer! And quite possible, don’t you think? If you’re grasping on the lowest ladder in the rung, you’ll bit at most anything.
I love, love, love that you read so much! Warms my heart 🙂
Yes I truly believe that we can change the world with at least one of these ideas you have listed, Susan 🙂 Using our gifts is one that stuck out for me because it is one that is so easy for us to do 🙂 Utilizing what we know to help others is the best thing we can do to be that change we want to see in this big, beautiful world! Just take one act! Love your NEW mantra too!
Absolutely, Joan! Our gifts are here for a reason–to help us, and by proxy, the world we live in. And isn’t that mantra great!
you have some wonderful suggestions here. Thanks. It has been so long since I read or knew anything about Maslow’s Hierarchy. Thanks for pointing to #9 (concern for others). My favorites are to stay informed and to broaden our horizons, especially with literature.
Isn’t literature the most wonderful thing, Alene. If I could just get the world to read . . . Doing my part!
Great advice here!!! It’s crazy how people love to
Complain about things yet they don’t do anything to change things
Isn’t that just the oddest thing, Courtney! But we know better 🙂
We can change the world by making a difference in someone’s life. There are families in need of some help and they would appreciate any gifts we share. Happy Holidays!
So very true, Elizabeth. Change begins where we live. Happy Holidays to you as well!
I think this election woke up a lot of people. My daughter for one, who was never involved in politics and now following the news and reading books by Bernie Sanders, and others. This is a critical time for our country and how more people get involved.
I agree, Lisa. And just love that about your daughter! Won’t be long and we’ll be handing the baton to that generation 🙂
‘We’re literally stardust’ – so true! We often forget. Thank you for reminding us with these tips so that we can react up and not pull each other down.
Yes, that’s us, Jonita–stardust! And isn’t ‘React up’ just marvelous?
‘But if you can quiet that monkey mind, many studies have shown that you also’ then all those points you made… that’s me right there!
A great read, thanks for sharing.
Yep, quiet that monkey mind!
REACT UP! I love this so much. This year, I plan to slow down more and focus on learning more about what matters, not just the headlines in the news. One of my goals is to pick a topic and do a deep dive on learning what is really happening.
I love that, Renee! And we’ll all benefit from it.
Such a wonderful post, Susan. Yes, we can all do these things. It takes so little time when compared to all the time we waste on things that do not contribute to bettering our own life and those who will come after us. The voting statistic was a surprise given how much rhetoric was flying in this campaign. People in other parts of the World envy our freedom, and yet we can let it so easily slip away by not voting.
It’s just amazing, isn’t it, Joyce. What would our country be like if the other half of it voted?
I love the tip of 10 minutes a day reading some REAL news! I am going to start doing that. And one of the things I always loved most about reading fiction is how much I learn when I do. Things that have stayed with me long after I’ve read the book – things I never would have sought out on my own to learn about, I’m now glad I did!
Isn’t that just Truth with a capital T, Mindy–oh, what we learn from fiction! And enjoy ourselves doing it!
And yep, just 10 minutes a day of real news. If everyone did that, it would truly change the world . . .
Be the change, it all starts with one!
Absolutely, Sheryl!
I love your topic this week. Helping to change by being the change is a great possibility. You are right, it can be done one step at a time. It also reminds us that we are all part of a whole so whatever one does affects others.
All so true, Lorii! One step at a time produces lasting change. And we are all connected . . .