Finding Hope in Action

The news cycle of the past 24 hours has been hard to swallow. I feel helpless and hopeless. I am angry, confused and sad, wondering if things will ever change. Yet, I know there are good things happening out in this big beautiful world. If you are like me and could use some comfort in kindness and action, below are a few things that I hope bring you some joy.

Words to keep in mind

If you can’t do great things, do small things in a great way.
-Napoleon Hill

Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.
-Mr. Rogers

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.
-Jennifer Dukes Lee

Something to celebrate

As seen around the world, this interactive art piece at the Mexican / US border wall, an original idea by artists/architects Ronald Rael and Virginia San Fratello, is incredibly moving and inspiring. This design purposefully connects children and adults in meaningful ways on both sides with the recognition that the actions that take place on one side have a direct consequence on the other side. What a beautiful way to bring some much-needed light to an incredibly dark situation. According to Ronald Rael, the “Teetertotter Wall” serves as a heartbeat between the two countries. I couldn’t agree more.

Here’s my family showing our support of the Teetertotter Wall of unity and acceptance of others.

What to do

Visit Action for Happiness, a movement that helps people take action for a happier and more caring world. Each month they publish a calendar with actionable tips that everyone can enjoy. I currently have Altruistic August open and refer to it daily. I hope you will check it out.

Learn more about Everytown for Gun Safety, a movement of Americans working together to end gun violence and build safer communities; and Moms Demand Action, a grassroots organization for Americans fighting for public safety measures that protect people from gun violence.

When anxiety starts leading me down a negativity spiral and I wonder if things will ever change, I started reviewing the Moms Demand Action Victories page. This small act gives me some comfort. I wish the media would cover more of the success stories around these positive actions. It’s uplifting to know things are changing. For the sake of humanity and for our children, I wish we could speed it up a little more. For me, this is my reminder that things are happening. Yet, we need to do more.

I know I’ve had enough. It’s going to take a village to change things and I am taking action today.

What action will you take?