Garbage In. Garbage Out.

There are some people in my world who are really struggling with the world they see. They’re on a mission to have more people understand why they believe big change is needed. I’m not going to say what side of the divide they’re on, but let’s just say they are mega-passionate. I get it. I am a big believer in being the change. However, I’m also a realist. And I think it’s important to acknowledge and work with what you can and can’t do to bring about change. We must do what we can, however little it might be or seem to be. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

So, how can we make sure we’re effective with what we’ve got? I’m convinced we need to keep a cool head, no matter how hot that fire is burning on the inside (can you tell I struggle with this?)

Have you ever heard the phrase: garbage in, garbage out? Recently, I’ve found (and this is good because I now know firsthand how my friends feel) that what I consume can make a massive impression on me. The more I read the news, for instance, the more upset I become, fueling that fire. The less I consume, the more hopeful I become, helping me keep a cool head.

So what to do? For me, it’s all about using my energy for good. Aside from prayer – which is powerful, voting, and having rational conversations with my friends, there may not be much more I can do. So, I’ll do what’s available and in front of me. Yes, I can contribute to those that are suffering financially. And I will speak up and out where I have an audience. But I’m convinced, from my recent experience, that what we consume will affect not only how we feel, but how we see the world around us. And this could confuse how we respond.

This is NOT to say that we shouldn’t speak up when we start to see scary and dangerous trends in the making. Trends that can lead to deadly outcomes.

I definitely don’t think we need to keep our heads in the sand when horrific things are happening around us. And if you read the news, there is evidence of this across the globe. Still, I’m convinced we have to be careful what we allow in if we want to remain centered and effective.

I’m making a commitment to being more careful about what I consume. I watch what I eat, my brain deserves the same attention as my stomach. I will continue to do things that I can do. I will pray, I will vote, I will give, and I will have compassionate discussions with my friends. If I’m going to be any help at all I want to make sure whatever I say within my sphere of influence, however small, is clear and not chaotic. There’s enough chaos out there already.

Just some food for thought.