I don’t know that I’d call this post a ‘rant’ persay…but it’s up there!
So. You want to give me the old line about how you want ‘Peace on Earth’ for the New Year do you?
Really?
Interesting. Okay so how are you going to go about getting that?
Yes, yes I’m being a bit obnoxious here but you know it kind of irks me that people spout this old line as if they really DO want this to happen yet DO NOTHING about it. It doesn’t work that way.
So what do most people say when I start this line of questioning? They tell me that they are only one person and can’t make the whole world peaceful. Oh. I see…you think one person can’t fix everything so why bother fixing anything? Oh goodness…how many of us are waiting for someone else to take care of this?
Too many!
In fact, I see this kind of nonsense all over the place. Here’s the thing about that kind of thinking. It’s self-serving and full of BS. Sorry but it’s true.
One person can most certainly make a difference. In fact, sometimes one person can start something that can change the world; or the world of one other person.
So I was challenged on this, as I’m sure a few of you are getting ready to do in the comments below (and please do!). The challenge was “how can I, by myself create world peace?” (okay, there was a bit of “don’t I watch the news or anything?” thrown in there too but let’s keep this civil ). Maybe you can’t, but you can begin the process by creating peace within your own heart and soul, within your family and from there it will spread out and start creating postitive change.
Think about this. If you raise 2 children to be kind, compassionate and forward thinkers, you have put two more ambassadors out into the world. If they each touch some lives and make a difference they spread the movement. Geesh, if they each raise two children the same way…now you have 6 right? C’mon you remember exponential growth.
The time you spend offering those who are struggling a hand up might make the difference in the lives of more than just that one person. Not only do others watch and see what you are doing and hopefully become inspired to do the same but that one person affects others lives as well.
You know that old saying about ripples in a pond? Well the pebble that started it all never really gets to see how far they go does it? But the ripples are still there and go on affecting all that they also touch.
If you step up and live in the truth of peace and compassion even when it’s hard you will inspire others to do the same. You give strength to those who are fearful of living their truth. The lives you touch are made better. For one person (or many) you might show a kindness that changes everything for them. Their world suddenly becomes different.
How is this not healing the world?
So please, don’t tell me some tired old line about what you want for others. Instead show the world that you can make a difference. Change your world. Make some ripples in the pond that you live in! What you think is tiny might be a game changer for someone else. Start the movement where you stand today. Peace on Earth might not come for the whole world just yet, but it can begin with you.
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Powerful post you have here, Bonnie!
I loved your reference to the pebble and the ripples as well. It’s hard for people to believe that one person can make such a difference in the world; especially when the world is filled with so many people that choose not to make differences in their own lives, let alone the entire world. I come out of a community where I was taught that the life I would have as an adult is the one that will always be for me. Imagine my amazement when I found out that the only thing that’s in need of being done to change ones environment is for us to begin changing our daily actions, perceptions, and attitude. Indeed, we must change ourselves, in order for us to change the world. If we can’t change one individual that we have control over; how then can we change billions of people that aren’t under our control. The change starts within us. True story and great post! 🙂
The greater the level of peace we experience internally in our own lives, yes, like a ripple, it expands into the world around us. Change doesn’t begin out there. Excellent post, Bonnie…supporting others to initiate change within as a first and powerful step to external change is a great call to action.
Happy New Year Tambre! So interesting what you wrote because it’s the basis for my next post in a way. Our own peace permeates our lives, the same way our inner turmoils does.
It can’t be done, we can’t have peace on earth … well, that is what you hear from people when they don’t want to take any responsibility to bring peace and joy into their own lives, within their own families, to be kind to their neighbors or to donate their time with passion. I enjoyed your wonderful perspective Bonnie. And we need a reminder like this to remember it really is all about the little things we can do for each other. Lets move it forward with our words and our actions!
Oh you got me going for a second there Lynn! No one but you can make yourself happy or unhappy beyond fleeting moments. It’s focus, choice and personal responsibility! I’m with you in moving forward in words AND actions! Whohoo!
There’s so much we can do on an individual level. If enough people were personally responsible and lived with love, we’d have many fewer problems. I’m not sure the utopia of world peace is a reasonable goal, but life would be significantly better for so many more people.
And sometimes life would be better with a simple change of perspective. It doesn’t take a whole lot for most of us. Many aren’t all that far off from happiness, if they’d just accept it.
You nailed it, personal responsibility is so key to everything in our world healing. From a small life to the global economy it’s all about that when you boil it down. Thanks!
Hey Bonnie,
Change begins at home! Like our teacher once told us, if you want others to smile at you, start smiling first!
Hi! Yes! If you want something you need to give it first 🙂 beautiful. Happy New Year to you and your family!
Yes, especially at christmas…people utter these words, but I agree, how many people REALLY think how could they help bring peace to the world. The ripple effect is so true, that one kind word, or a nice gesture to tell someone how nice they look, or what a great job they have done, and most of all, how just a reasurrance that they matter to someone…. could totally change their world, and put a smile on their face!!! And most of all remember the golden rule, which it is hard at times, especially if someone has been unkind to you. My New Years resolution…bury the hatchett on old hurts!!
Whohoo! Kathryn! That is a wonderful New Years goal. A difficult one but one step by one step and you’ll get there. My grandmother used to say carrying around that hatchet must get awfully heavy (or chip on your shoulder or whatever her metephor was at the time) It took me a long time to fully understand that what she meant was all that wasted energy was only slowing ME down. Truly if our goal was simply to make another persons life a little bit better just imagine how the world could change. Yeah! Here’s to making 2012 the Year of Possibilities!
Bonnie, I’ve been thinking about this the last few days, so it’s funny: as I find what do I do with the rest of my life, I wonder, also: what am I doing beyond reading about Darfur, or the untold strife around the world, or the apathy that exists around us.
Yes, everyone of us, one by one, can affect positive change. It needs to have a clear purpose.
Happy New Year.
I think Stu the problem is it really can feel overwhelming and we really do think we can’t affect change. The key is starting where you are and with what you have. Compassion and kindness can go a long way to creating a place right here that is better. Happy New Year to you and yours 🙂
The hundredth monkey concept works both ways – for good or bad. Pay it forward is a powerful concept but it only works when people do it consciously. Peace on earth – lets have peace in our household. Lets have peace with our community and lets respect each other and practice infinite love and gratitude, acceptance, acknowledgement and appreciation. And let each of us live today like it is the only one we will ever have – guess what? It could be.
Love you Bonnie and thank you. Wishing you a great New Year’s eve and New Year’s Day and the year…who knows? Your call
It seems like everyone wants peace, but we are not always willing to do the work required to have peace in our own lives. “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”
Excellent post, Bonnie. Happy New Year!
That’s the point, exactly. Of course, if one is part of an insular community, the ripples are harder to permeate cultures that may not be among the interactions. And, it’s even harder to reach those who also form insular communities. So, the trick is to draw ONE person out from those communities, so the ripples can rebound among their boundaries, as well (and, you should see how much rebounds work in an insular community).
As always Roy you add another entire demension of thinking to the conversation. 🙂 Fabulous!