Shake the World

Speak Up

“The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better.”

Robert F. Kennedy

It is very easy to think that we can't do much to impact the world—being one person, with no power. But the truth is if we do one thing that improves the life of one person, we have contributed to making things better. And, if that person, because you have done that one kind thing, helps someone else, then two people have been impacted by your actions. If that continues down the line, you can see how a long string of good can come from one simple act of kindness. As Gandhi said: “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.”

We tend to allow our perceived lack of power cause even more damage. We refuse to speak up when we see injustice. We leave situations that are uncomfortable for us, rather than stick it out. We remain silent, when we hear other people say things that are in the category of an “ism.” I remember well listening to people make “dumb-blond” jokes, and “silly woman” jokes when I was younger—even racist and homophobic jokes—and feeling uncomfortable, but not speaking up, or worse, laughing along, for fear that the unkindness would then be turned on me. We dismiss these kinds of things, thinking why make a big deal out of it; it's just a joke, after all. But our silence condones and encourages such behavior, and a mole-hill can, as you know, become a mountain.

Here is timely advice from author, William Arthur Ward:

“Do more than belong: participate.

Do more than believe: practice.

Do more than be fair: be kind.

Do more than forgive: forget.

Do more than dream: work.”

We can shake the world gently with one act of kindness.

                                                               In the Spirit,

                                                                   Jane