Shame on those who take a life, but shame on us folks for not doing our part.

Oh, sure, pile on those excuses. Say it's none of your business what is happening elsewhere.

Well, get a clue! You and I alike are not immune from any tragedy, not immune from life in any respect.

These senseless tragedies should open our eyes really wide, not shut out reality or make us buy weapons that give us a sense of false security, and can get into the wrong hands.

Setting a Good Example: Respecting & Valuing Life

Our children don't value each other because we don't value each other. Our children don't know what respect and responsibility are all about because we are not setting a good enough example. The value of life? Everyday, we see classic examples of just the opposite.

Don't you get it?! What is ingrained into a child's mind early in life stays with them throughout life. How they are treated now affects them and influences their future.

But, it's never too late to try to turn things around. Never! Life is an endless potential to learn and grow.

The present is simply a result of all the thoughts and actions we all have put out there over the past year. Think back. Did you lend a helping hand to someone in need? Did you reach out and say a kind word? What did YOU do to make a difference? What could you have done, but you were too busy? Indifferent?

It sounds simple, but something as simple as a kind word, or a smile can make a world of difference to someone else. There are people hurting out there, who would benefit greatly from some genuine concern, some encouragement, some kindness.

Cause & Effect

Everything you do, there's a reason behind it. That reason may not always be clear, but there's a reason. Everything you do has a cause and effect. As long as you are breathing, you are making some kind of mark in this world. Only you know what kind of mark.

There are people who intentionally harm or kill others. This is not right, of course, and they need to be held responsible.

But, just as they will be held accountable, so do we also need to be accountable for our actions. If we want a brighter future, we have to work at it. We have to realize that we are all contributors to society, everyday of our lives. We don't have to look out for each other if we don't want to, but any indifference, any lack of concern, will come back to haunt us one day.

Each Moment & Every Contact Count

One day... You might need help and that help might depend on strangers coming to your aid. It would be nice to think that someone would help you in your time of need, but they don't have to. It's not right, but hey, it happens all the time. People pass by each other in a semi-conscious state most of the time, avoiding eye contact, moving along as quickly as possible. Someone might be out to get you, don't trust a single soul. Just get to where you're going and take care of your business.

For one day, take the time to notice everyone you come in contact with. Dare to look them in the eyes. Double dare a smile or a general comment. Are you still alive?

Surprise! They're just like me and you. They have their opinions, their way of doing things, but they're really not that different at all. Some are happy, some are sad, some are looking for friendship, others are looking for that missing link. They're human and they're not perfect. But then neither are we.

Being Imperfect

Being imperfect people, we make mistakes and say things we don't really mean. Give yourself a break, but then mentally learn from those moments and move forward with new insights. Nobody is responsible for you except you. You can move mountains just by envisioning the kind of life you want, and then living the way you would want others to treat you. When you realize that you have the power to take control of your life, and thus affect all the people you come in contact with, you will start to make that life a reality.

We can't change the world, we will never be able to get rid of all "bad". And that's a good thing. The bad should remind us to be thankful for what we do have in our lives that is good. The bad is an opportunity to learn and grow, first as individuals, and then as members of society.

Placing Blame or Choosing to Do Something?

It's no longer shocking reading the news. What do we expect? We place blame all over the place and waste more time shouting and less time doing something about it.

If you're a hateful person, you are giving out energy that will attract the same. If you're a caring person, you transmit that also. Doesn't mean that we can always "see" the results we're looking for, but all that energy is being circulated and affects you and those around you. Ever been in an office where everyone looks and acts glumly? Well, I have, and everyone was acting just like the person next to them. After just one day, I could feel the coldness and moved on. Other people who I've come in contact after that who also worked for that company commented on the same dreariness of working there. They also moved on.

We Hold the Key to Turning Society Around

We hold the key to turning society around in the right direction. There should be no hesitation about taking that step.

Step 1 - Starts with ourselves, and extends to our families, friends, acquaintances, etc. we're truthful about what we want, we're responsible in what we do, we're aware of everything we do or say along the way, and we don't let fear hold us back when that fear can help us grow. We don't take reckless risks, but we do what's right and what makes us shine inside.

Step 2 - Following Step 1 faithfully, we live the kind of life we always just dreamed of living. We pass that energy on to others. We live knowing that the world is a little brighter because of us. We die happy and proud.

You can't control anyone else. You can't stop the world from life. BUT... YOU HAVE THE POWER INSIDE YOU!

"We win half the battle when we make up our minds to take the world as we find it, including the thorns. The world is made up of things which are not perfect and of people who are not motivated by the highest ideals. Only frustration haunts those who think there is some quick way to change all this. To make material conditions better for all people is a long, hard struggle; and to make people better is an even longer one. When we recognize this and try to live constructive, purposeful lives ourselves, we are contributing our small share toward the improvement we all want." (Orison S. Marden)

Copyright 2000 Beth Vishnevsky.
Not to be reprinted without permission.

Recommended Reading:

Courage: The Joy of Living Dangerously
by Osho.

Purchase the book.

About The Author