It can feel overwhelming to be in the world sometimes, especially of late. So many problems, such huge issues, so much drama on social media – corruption, terrorism, racism, sexism, and the lists go on.
And you can be, but if that happens, then you’re pretty much done.
So what then is the alternative, if there even is one?
Well to put it simply, don’t be overwhelmed. Maybe just go as far as whelmed and then no further.
The only person you can really save is you
If we fall apart, then we are going to not be of much use to anyone else, and so my first suggestion is to look after yourself. There are many things in life we have no control over, but the things we do are where we should begin.
Make sure you are eating well. Look after your sleep times. Find some form of exercise to get busy with. Not only do these help strengthen, refresh, and build you up, but they can also be helpful distractions to all the things that are presently overwhelming you.
Get reading – what issues are you interested in? Find some writers and bloggers or maybe podcasters who are writing about the things you want to see a difference in. Invite different voices to the ones you are used to, including different sources of news than those you regularly follow, so that you can expand your view and vision of the world.
Use the ears you have
Once you have started to get yourself into shape in all of those areas, look around at the people in your circles, in your friendship groups, in your sports team, or at work. Initiate conversations about the things you’ve been learning as well as the areas you want to make a difference in.
They already (hopefully) like you and so are more likely to listen. Share helpful articles and opportunities you see on social media. Maybe invite someone to join you as you do something.
Look out for opportunities
Next up you want to start getting practical. As the title suggests, “You can’t save all the babies,” which is a little tongue in cheek as this isn’t really about saving anyone, but perhaps it is about finding spaces and times to show up and get involved somehow.
I have a friend, Ashley, who heads up an organisation called Bottomup in the Western Cape – among other things they teach children how to play chess and take them to tournaments and pour into their lives. Another set of friends, Duncan and Viv, along with a bunch of other mostly students, head out to a school in Langa every Friday to teach primary school children maths.
Those are just two simple ideas – whether your focus is on education or HIV, on old people or animals, on prisoners or those living on the streets, I can guarantee you it is quite easy to find a group of people making a difference who would love for you to get involved.
Do something
Which brings me right back to the start. Often when we catch sight of everything that needs to happen it can flatten us. But the moment we get involved in one thing that needs to happen and start seeing change there, it inspires us, it gives us stories to help inspire others to get involved; it focuses us on the changes that are possible and it starts to chip away at all the negativity in the world.
So don’t try and do everything. But if you’re doing nothing, then how about you start looking for one thing to put your hand to to get involved with through your time or energy or skills or resources. So many opportunities.
What is one thing you are currently involved in that there might be space for others to get involved with? Share a story with us in the comments section.