EDITOR’S NOTE: This a question that comes up a lot with all the turmoil today – What can I do? – usually it’s meant rhetorically, people don’t really want an answer, but are looking for validation – for what? To not do anything? To look the other way when the fibers of our democracy and way of life are being shredded? Hmmm… Here is a thoughtful “list” of what YOU – each of us – can do, to overcome the divisiveness and find common ground, peace and kindness for everyone.
As we approach the 250th birthday of the Declaration of Independence, take a moment to truly think about what it means to be an American, and how can you help heal our country – with truth, kindness, love, responsibility, volunteer, stand up, hope …
What does it mean to be an American? Send us your answers – editor@tillamookcountypioneer.net
“What can I do?”
Many people recognize that something has changed. They see the division, the anger, the dishonesty, and the growing lack of compassion in society. They see families divided, communities fractured, and truth often buried beneath noise and distraction.
The good news is that restoring humanity does not begin in Washington, Hollywood, corporate boardrooms, or social media platforms. It begins with ordinary people making extraordinary choices.
The first thing every person can do is tell the truth.
Tell the truth even when it is uncomfortable.
Tell the truth even when it costs you something.
A society cannot function when people are afraid to speak honestly. Truth is the foundation upon which trust is built, and trust is the foundation upon which healthy communities are formed.
The second thing people can do is take responsibility for themselves.
We live in an age where blame has become a national pastime. It is always someone else’s fault. Someone else is responsible. Someone else should fix the problem.
Humanity begins to heal when individuals look in the mirror and ask, “What can I do better?”
Personal responsibility is contagious. So is accountability.
The third thing people can do is strengthen their families. Strong nations are built upon strong families.
Spend time with your children.
Call your parents.
Visit your grandparents.
Eat dinner together.
Teach values that schools, governments, and institutions often cannot.
Children are not shaped by what we say. They are shaped by what they see. If we want future generations to be honest, compassionate, courageous, and responsible, we must demonstrate those qualities ourselves.
The fourth thing people can do is practice kindness.
Kindness has become an underrated virtue. A smile, a helping hand, a kind word, or a simple act of generosity can change someone’s entire day.
Many people are carrying burdens we know nothing about.
The person standing in front of you at the grocery store may be fighting a battle you cannot see.
The waitress serving your meal may be struggling to pay her bills.
The elderly man sitting alone may simply need someone to acknowledge his existence.
Humanity is restored one act of kindness at a time.
The fifth thing people can do is disconnect from constant outrage. Many have become addicted to anger. Social media algorithms profit from division. News organizations often profit from fear.
Turn off the television occasionally.
Put down the phone.
Go outside.
Talk to real people.
Spend time with those you love.
The world often looks much different when viewed through your own eyes instead of someone else’s screen.
The sixth thing people can do is serve their communities.
Volunteer at a shelter.
Help a veteran.
Visit a nursing home.
Mentor a young person.
Support local charities.
Attend community meetings.
The problems facing society can seem overwhelming until we focus on helping the people directly around us.
Changing the world often starts with changing one person’s world.
The seventh thing people can do is stand up for what is right.
There will always be pressure to remain silent.
There will always be incentives to look the other way.
History remembers those who had the courage to stand when standing was difficult.
Doing what is right will not always make you popular, but popularity has never been the measure of character.
While practicing these principles, share this article with those in your social circles. Send it in an email to family members and friends.
Start conversations that matter. Encourage others to think about the values that unite us and the responsibilities we all share. Once people see it, they cannot unsee it.
The eighth thing people can do is reconnect with faith and purpose.
Regardless of denomination, people need something greater than themselves. They need purpose. They need meaning. They need hope.
Throughout history, faith has provided comfort during hardship, courage during adversity, and direction during uncertain times. A person who understands their purpose is far less likely to lose their way.
Finally, remember that restoring humanity is not a one-time event.
It is a daily decision.
A decision to be honest.
A decision to be compassionate.
A decision to be responsible.
A decision to forgive.
A decision to serve.
A decision to love your neighbor.
The problems facing our world were not created overnight, and they will not be solved overnight. However, every great movement in history began when ordinary people decided to live differently.
Perhaps the question was never, “What can one person do?”
Perhaps the better question is, “What would happen if millions of people decided to do the right thing?”
Humanity is not restored by grand speeches or sweeping promises. It is restored one person, one family, one community, and one act of integrity at a time.
The path back begins with each of us and it centers around LOVE.
~ Anonymous
