Feeling Helpless

[cheerful_deviant]

As the years pile on and the carefree years of youth become a more and more distant memory, I find that I'm changing in both attitude and outlook.

When I was younger I would look at the world largely through the rose colored glasses of the young and say, “Sure some bad things are happening, but it will get better.” or “It's not all that bad.” And also, I'm embarrassed to admit, there was a hefty dose of “It's not my problem.” mixed in as well. But sadly, years and experience have shown me that my outlook of youth was not correct and was sadly naive. There are horrors being done every day in this world and it shows no signs of stopping or even slowing in the slightest.

But what is one middle aged father of 3 living in middle class suburbia to do? As I read the headlines of genocide, oppression of minorities, child trafficking, starvation, poverty it all seems so overwhelming. It's gotten to the poing that I dread opening the news every day for fear of what I will see, but ignorance isn't going to solve anything either. So I read, and I get more overwhelmed.

Is there truly a way that one person can really make a difference?

 

[ABSTRUSE]

As the years pile on and the carefree years of youth become a more and more distant memory, I find that I'm changing in both attitude and outlook.

When I was younger I would look at the world largely through the rose colored glasses of the young and say, “Sure some bad things are happening, but it will get better.” or “It's not all that bad.” And also, I'm embarrassed to admit, there was a hefty dose of “It's not my problem.” mixed in as well. But sadly, years and experience have shown me that my outlook of youth was not correct and was sadly naive. There are horrors being done every day in this world and it shows no signs of stopping or even slowing in the slightest.

But what is one middle aged father of 3 living in middle class suburbia to do? As I read the headlines of genocide, oppression of minorities, child trafficking, starvation, poverty it all seems so overwhelming. It's gotten to the poing that I dread opening the news every day for fear of what I will see, but ignorance isn't going to solve anything either. So I read, and I get more overwhelmed.

Is there truly a way that one person can really make a difference?

Stop reading the news. I find I must do that now and again.

Look around you, where you are right now and find what is truly beautiful in your world. That is what matters. That is your past, present and future. Make a difference by being a good person, loving passionately and living for you.

 

[theMaven]

One day at a time, one person at a time, we each make our own individual impact on the world we live in. For good or for ill, these are the days of our lives.

 

[voluptuary_manque]

Abs is right. The view of the world that you are getting is designed to sell media. Good news is simply not considered commercially viable so you don't see it. But do the numbers. Run all the horrific statistics backwards and see how many millions of people are not being starved, oppressed, terrorised, etc. I have to do that all the time. Believe me, it helps.

 

[sophia jane]

As the years pile on and the carefree years of youth become a more and more distant memory, I find that I'm changing in both attitude and outlook.

When I was younger I would look at the world largely through the rose colored glasses of the young and say, “Sure some bad things are happening, but it will get better.” or “It's not all that bad.” And also, I'm embarrassed to admit, there was a hefty dose of “It's not my problem.” mixed in as well. But sadly, years and experience have shown me that my outlook of youth was not correct and was sadly naive. There are horrors being done every day in this world and it shows no signs of stopping or even slowing in the slightest.

But what is one middle aged father of 3 living in middle class suburbia to do? As I read the headlines of genocide, oppression of minorities, child trafficking, starvation, poverty it all seems so overwhelming. It's gotten to the poing that I dread opening the news every day for fear of what I will see, but ignorance isn't going to solve anything either. So I read, and I get more overwhelmed.

Is there truly a way that one person can really make a difference?

I understand what you mean. And I think yes, there are many, many ways one person can make a difference.
You start with the way you live your life and the way you raise your children. Living a life of love and kindness does in fact have an impact on the people around you, even if it's in a small way.
Then you look at the changes you can make that are small. For us, one of the things we're looking at is our environmental impact. So we recycle. We're going to start composting. We're going to try to conserve energy. Those are all small things.

And then, I think, you decide if you want to take on bigger issues. One voice is small, but one voice banded together with other voices create a loud cry for change. So there are always organizations to join, letters to write, calls to make, protests to take part in. Etc. Etc.

Sometimes it feels like we can't change the world, and maybe we can't really. Maybe there are too many big awful things out there. But there are good things out there, too, and there are definitely ways we, as small insignificant people, can touch lives and shape the world around us.

And duckie, know that in our small little lit world, you have given smiles and joy to more than a few, and while that may not end genocide, it does have a ripple effect in the lives that you've touched.

 

[impressive]

Is there truly a way that one person can really make a difference?

One drop raises the ocean.

Besides, what do you become if you stop trying?

 

[cheerful_deviant]

Stop reading the news. I find I must do that now and again.

Look around you, where you are right now and find what is truly beautiful in your world. That is what matters. That is your past, present and future. Make a difference by being a good person, loving passionately and living for you.

I try to do this, I really do. And it works for a time. But invevitably I see something anyway. It's impossible to just shut out the world all together and I'm not sure that's how I want to live anyway. Locked away in my own private paradise of my own making. Closing my eyes to everything else and saying "If I can't see it, it won't hurt me." may indeed work for me, but it can still hurt others.

This is what I feel is changing about me. I'm no longer able to just sit and ignore. I feel like I must start to act. But where?

 

[ABSTRUSE]

I try to do this, I really do. And it works for a time. But invevitably I see something anyway. It's impossible to just shut out the world all together and I'm not sure that's how I want to live anyway. Locked away in my own private paradise of my own making. Closing my eyes to everything else and saying "If I can't see it, it won't hurt me." may indeed work for me, but it can still hurt others.

This is what I feel is changing about me. I'm no longer able to just sit and ignore. I feel like I must start to act. But where?

My friend, you have a beautiful heart filled with compassion. I adore that in you. If you really want to do something, look to your community. Donate to women's shelters, they really need things. Help your elderly neighbors, its good for your Karma, walk dogs in shelters, they need love too.

Seeing a problem and feeling compelled to change it....that is the first step my friend.

 

[cheerful_deviant]

One day at a time, one person at a time, we each make our own individual impact on the world we live in. For good or for ill, these are the days of our lives.

True. And I do try to live a good life and make my own little impact ot the world. But perhaps what I'm feeling is the need for more, to make a bigger impact in some way.

 

[cheerful_deviant]

Abs is right. The view of the world that you are getting is designed to sell media. Good news is simply not considered commercially viable so you don't see it. But do the numbers. Run all the horrific statistics backwards and see how many millions of people are not being starved, oppressed, terrorised, etc. I have to do that all the time. Believe me, it helps.

You're correct. And there are millions, probablly billions of people in the world living out completly contented and happy lives. But if even a few are living in complete misery and dispair, doesn't that behove us to act?

 

[rgraham666]

You do what you can, even if it's just donating a little money to The United Way, or dropping some money in a derelict's cup.

Accept that you can't save the world.

Take joy in what you have.

Works for me.

 

[theMaven]

True. And I do try to live a good life and make my own little impact ot the world. But perhaps what I'm feeling is the need for more, to make a bigger impact in some way.

Get active then. Volunteer your time, money and/or talents to some worthwhile cause and encourage others to do the same. Lead by example.

 

[cheerful_deviant]

I understand what you mean. And I think yes, there are many, many ways one person can make a difference.
You start with the way you live your life and the way you raise your children. Living a life of love and kindness does in fact have an impact on the people around you, even if it's in a small way.
Then you look at the changes you can make that are small. For us, one of the things we're looking at is our environmental impact. So we recycle. We're going to start composting. We're going to try to conserve energy. Those are all small things.

And then, I think, you decide if you want to take on bigger issues. One voice is small, but one voice banded together with other voices create a loud cry for change. So there are always organizations to join, letters to write, calls to make, protests to take part in. Etc. Etc.

Sometimes it feels like we can't change the world, and maybe we can't really. Maybe there are too many big awful things out there. But there are good things out there, too, and there are definitely ways we, as small insignificant people, can touch lives and shape the world around us.

And duckie, know that in our small little lit world, you have given smiles and joy to more than a few, and while that may not end genocide, it does have a ripple effect in the lives that you've touched.

I know what you mean. Like I said in another reply, I'm trying to live in a way that I think makes a positive impact on those around me. I'm really trying to do what I see as the right thing in the world. The environment and human rights are two things that happen to be important to me and I try to instill my children with the same views as I have.

So now it comes to the point where if I want to move beyond this I have to go out and do my homework so to speak. Getting involved on a broader playing field. I don't know what orginizations are around here that are active in a meaningful way but I perhaps it's time to find out.

And thanks SJ, that means alot to me.

 

[cheerful_deviant]

One drop raises the ocean.

Besides, what do you become if you stop trying?

Perhaps it's time for me to make a bigger splash?

 

[voluptuary_manque]

You're correct. And there are millions, probablly billions of people in the world living out completly contented and happy lives. But if even a few are living in complete misery and dispair, doesn't that behove us to act?

Act? It's my profession. 6 hours/day, 32 kids/class, 9 months/year, over 20 years. And you think you feel drained . . . ?

 

[cheerful_deviant]

My friend, you have a beautiful heart filled with compassion. I adore that in you. If you really want to do something, look to your community. Donate to women's shelters, they really need things. Help your elderly neighbors, its good for your Karma, walk dogs in shelters, they need love too.

Seeing a problem and feeling compelled to change it....that is the first step my friend.

I'm working on it.

But I'm alergic to dogs.

 

[impressive]

Perhaps it's time for me to make a bigger splash?

Do to the best of your ability whatever it is you choose to do. Lead by example. Live by example. Love by example. Then, you cannot NOT make a difference.

 

[cheerful_deviant]

Act? It's my profession. 6 hours/day, 32 kids/class, 9 months/year, over 20 years. And you think you feel drained . . . ?

I never realized you were a teacher. That's not an easy job, you have my admiration. It's a path I now wish I had chosen years ago rather than the one I'm on. Perhaps I still may still take that path.

 

[voluptuary_manque]

I never realized you were a teacher. That's not an easy job, you have my admiration. It's a path I now wish I had chosen years ago rather than the one I'm on. Perhaps I still may still take that path.

It was mid-life career change for me, too. Didn't start until I was nearly 40. I think it was better for the kids, though, that I had a few of my personality's sharp edges rubbed off before I started. Had a really nasty tongue in my youth . . .

 

[cheerful_deviant]

Do to the best of your ability whatever it is you choose to do. Lead by example. Live by example. Love by example. Then, you cannot NOT make a difference.

That's a great line Imp.

I'm working on it. I guess time will tell just what kind of impact I make.

 

[cheerful_deviant]

It was mid-life career change for me, too. Didn't start until I was nearly 40. I think it was better for the kids, though, that I had a few of my personality's sharp edges rubbed off before I started. Had a really nasty tongue in my youth . . .

Funny, after 18 years in the construction industry, my personality's gained a few sharp edges and as for my tongue....

 

[voluptuary_manque]

Funny, after 18 years in the construction industry, my personality's gained a few sharp edges and as for my tongue....

LOL At least sixth graders know what I mean when I pause and say "military expletives deleted here". It always gets a chuckle from the brightest ones.

 

[cheerful_deviant]

LOL At least sixth graders know what I mean when I pause and say "military expletives deleted here". It always gets a chuckle from the brightest ones.

6th graders? You're a brave, brave man.

 

[cloudy]

One person can make a difference. Choose something that's important to you, and become a champion for it. Imp does it, I do it, and there are others out there as well.

Proud of you, CD.

 

[cutebrowngirl]

what you said was absolutely beautiful! the bottom line is you care. in all your years you haven't become jaded. it's still bothers you. you are philanthropic at heart. so do what you can. where you can find time, volunteer, pay a good deed forward, sit and listen to someone, smile at someone. you have no idea how such seemingly small things can have such a huge impact. recycle and give back to your planet. if you are making an honest effort, you are doing your part. that's commendable to say the least.. be encouraged.