The biggest change begins with you

When asked what is wrong with the world, GK Chesteron wrote simply: “Dear Sirs, I am.”

Today I propose that there is something to this that is deeply applicable to each and every one of our lives in the present moment.

With the upcoming election and a seemingly endless stream of media covering each and every angle, I can’t help but wonder if maybe this election is occupying a bit too much brain space. I’m not apathetic, in any sense of the word. I have always cared, probably a bit too much, about so. Many. Things.

Here is my proposal: We, as a whole, as a society, as a human race, are not paying attention to pressing issues in such dire need of our attention and paying far too much attention on things that either do not matter, or do not matter to the extent that we believe they do.

Hear me out.

One skill I was taught in dialectical behavioral therapy is alternative rebellion. If you’ve been here for a minute you’ve read my writing on this, but just in case, here’s a brief recap. Alternative rebellion is the idea that we have the capability of channeling pent-up negative energy into behaviors we view as equally rebellious as maladaptive behaviors, but that are in no way a hindrance to the wellbeing of others or ourselves. One thing I adapted as a practice to implement this skill in my life is OCCASIONALLY wearing pajamas in public. This is something I view as rebellious, yet is not harmful in any shape, form, or fashion. However, it really irks me the reaction I have received from others. My goodness. If we can put some of that energy and commentary towards a meaningful pursuit, how much change could we begin to put in place?

I used to be relentlessly pro-life. I was, looking back, a bit obnoxious about it, posting on social media and sharing my views loudly. However, after talking to people, and hearing so many perspectives, I shifted my stance. At the end of the day, I would still identify as pro-life. Yet I have turned to focusing my time and energy into asking questions such as “How can we, as a society, better support those in need, in the world, and how can we begin by helping those in our community?” Or, “How can we better use our tools and resources to prevent the need for abortive services by better access to resources, such as rape crisis centers?”

To go back to the quote from Chesterton, when I pause and think of how I can make the biggest difference, it has been a process coming to this conclusion, and I know I need to start with myself. That is the best– and perhaps the only– way to find a path to help others.

A quote I have stumbled across recently is “Want to change the world? Go home and love your child.”

It is perhaps the smallest acts that lead to the biggest change.