When we hear about terrible things happening, people struggling and in great need, systems failing, disasters and tragedies, we often ask ourselves, “What can I do?” We want to do something but that something is not always clear. Sometimes the need is so great we feel overwhelmed and then stuck. In our stuck-ness we end up doing nothing at all. We convince ourselves there’s nothing we can do. It’s all just too much, we’re too small, it won’t make a difference.
I believe there is always something we can do. I also believe there is always a way. Always. These two beliefs help me keep my mind open and my heart hopeful. They allow me to take one step, however small, to do what I can do. Not what needs to be done to fix it all and make it all right. Just to take the step I can take. My step.
I make that step consciously. And I own that step. It’s my contribution. It is the answer to the question. “What is mine to do?”
I encourage you to not be immobilized by the chaos, suffering and great need in the world. There is always something you can do. Take a step, your step. Whatever it is, know that it is enough.
With great humility
Paula
