5 Tips on How to Make a Difference

I am often motivated when I am angry. In fact, anger pushes me to be my most productive and assertive self. And when anger steps into my soul I just snap and want to build a better world right then and there--damn it! While I was reflecting on things which have transpired these past few months in the world and in my personal life I thought of a few tips/suggestions on how we can do things for the greater good. Ya know, big picture stuff.

1. Get an Education

I am so grateful I didn't quit college even though I was tempted many times to do just that. It's worth it. Getting an education does so many great things...you'll learn how to read research articles, think critically, write, network and so much more. Education and college is a great vehicle that puts you on the path to know how to make your world a better place.  

2. Teach your Children How to Treat Others

Having children--especially kind children is a great way to contribute to society. The Russia government is paying couples to have children because they know how important families contribute to the economy and the greater good. Teach your children to be inclusive, honest, assertive and how to think critically. Bullying, racism and discrimination is something learned, so be good examples and talk openly to your kids about hard topics. Let them be curious and respect them as human beings. Your relationship with them is so crucial and they will become strong people as they watch you being strong by how you treat others.  

3. Be Curious

If someone opens up and shares their view and it's shocking to you--be curious instead of judging them in silence. Simply try to understand what that person is saying and try to learn from their experiences and their point of view instead of distancing yourself from them. I have learned that once I hear someone's story I become more open. Ask them, "why?" or, "let me make sure I'm understanding you, are you saying that you think ___________?" 

Another rule to go by is to not assume that everyone is on the same page as you. So just ask them, "What do you think about _________?" But don't do this to prove them wrong, just do this if you are genuinely curious. 

Another aspect of being curious is to be aware of current events in the world. It took me a long time to care, but I'm finally to a point where I want to know what's going on and I want to help. I used to make fun of my dad for listening to NPR on the radio all the time, but now I do the exact same thing and I even look forward to running errands just so I can tune into the world and what's going on around me. The more I've learned about cultures and current events the more I care about people and what's happening to them. It's our responsibility to be aware so we can educate our children and friends and reach out those in need. 

4. Recycle 

Be kind to the earth. I started recycling while I was in college and I had someone tell me that I wasn't making a difference. How dare he! It's people like him who are making the biggest difference--for worse, not for the better. My friend referred me to a book called Garbology, Our Dirty Love Affair with Trash. This is a good read if you need some motivation in rethinking about how you treat the earth. Next time you go shopping, take re-usable bags to the grocery store and think twice before you buy something plastic that won't last. These things do make a difference. I visited my family in New England and you can see how they value the earth by their actions. It's a wonderful thing and it's not a hobby--people like them are contributing to the earth in ways we don't even know. So if you recycle, thank you! 

5. Try Taking some Action instead of just Complaining about it

If something is bothering you in your community, country or world--do something about it! Donate, join a coalition, educate others, serve, volunteer, pray, run for President, pick up trash, call the police, google resources, share a facebook post, vote, attend a school board meeting, host an event, sign a petition. There is something you can do--no matter how small it may seem.

"The rain begins with a single drop."

-Manal Al Sharif (from her book Daring to Drive. Manal was the woman who was arrested in Saudi Arabia in 2011 for "driving while female").