Feeling Helpless

[Gizzmotick]

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

As I have had a manaer in my organization say... "I didn't like being in a position where I had no control over what was happening... so I got promoted to where I can do something about it."

Along those lines, you can do something about the things you feel strongly about. Start a letter writing campaign to a councilman, or other politician to enact some kind of movement in the direction things need to go. Be active in the community. But if you are feeling compelled to make a bigger splash... go out and do something. And whatever you do, do it with confidence.

 

[stickwork]

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.
Make a difference for your kids.
When you've surpassed that, worry about others'.

 

[impressive]

Kiva is way cool, too. I like to give Kiva gift certificates.

Essentially, it's a no-interest loan (like, as low as $25) to finance a 3rd world entrepreneur. Payback rate is over 95% (better than bank loans!) and when you're paid back, you can either withdraw your money or roll it over into another loan.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

OGG

During Vietnam I observed the firepower of battleship USS NEW JERSEY.

A target was harrassing us with mortars and rockets. We located the target, radioed the target's position to the batttleship, and in a short while a salvo of 16 inch shells hit the target.

Where I was, the effect was like an earthquake.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

A difficult lesson for many people top learn is: Great oaks begin as acorns. The accummulation of small deeds makes great acts.

 

[voluptuary_manque]

A difficult lesson for many people top learn is: Great oaks begin as acorns. The accummulation of small deeds makes great acts.

Precisely! And those small deeds can be done by one person over time or by one person organizing others into a single force. Either way, the effect you have will be more than you ever dreamed. The first time a student nominated me for Who's Who in American Education I wondered around in shock for hours. By the fourth time I simply laughed and laughed. Sometimes just doing your job is all it takes.

 

[cheerful_deviant]

I really want to thank everyone for their replies to this thread. Just that in itself of comforting to know that there are otheres out there trying to do the right thing every day.

I'm about to fall asleep at the keyboard but I've bookmarked this thread and will give it the attention it deserves tommorow. Just giving it a readthru I can see you've all given me something, many things to think about. Thank you greatly.

 

[JagFarlane]

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've honestly found that the best way to feel that you've made an impact is to help someone else. The more often that you help someone else, the little smile you get from them, will help you to feel better. Also, volunteering time and money to worthwhile projects is of a huge help to the world. I've volunteered myself in Search and Rescue, Habitat for Humanity, and assisting a high school football team. Sure to some, they may seem like they don't make that much of a difference, but when you see tears of joy streaming down someones face as they are brought to the framework of thier soon to be new home...or the smiles of a family reunited as you walk out of the woods carrying thier child in your arms...it does make a difference.