Well said and great point on how easy it is to be cynical. I find myself falling into this trap sometimes. I regularly hike in a conservation area near my home. Often, I will come across litter like plastic bottles and granola bar wrappers. I used to complain to my wife asking how someone could do this so carelessly, but I actually never did anything about it - other than complain. Nowadays, I'll pick up that plastic bottle or granola bar wrapper and throw it in the bin at the trail entrance. I figure that one small step is exponentially better than complaining. It's my way of leaving the place a little better than when I started my hike - sort of my price of admission.
I can totally relate to this. I’ve had similar thoughts out in nature or just in my neighborhood. It's like a switch that goes off in our mind when we see something that needs fixing and recognize how we can actually do something about it. And maybe we won’t fix the broader problem entirely all on our own, at least not in that moment, but taking the action is still true to who we are, what we stand for and what we want to see more of in the world. It’s very reaffirming and I think more powerful than we have yet realized. Very beautifully said, thank you Neil!
“Maybe misery is preferable to the risk of looking foolish in the eyes of people who actually, secretly resent themselves for not being as brave as you.“ 👏
I’m in total agreement with this statement
Another of your writings I am going to read ever day!!!!!
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🙏🏼🙏🏼
Well said and great point on how easy it is to be cynical. I find myself falling into this trap sometimes. I regularly hike in a conservation area near my home. Often, I will come across litter like plastic bottles and granola bar wrappers. I used to complain to my wife asking how someone could do this so carelessly, but I actually never did anything about it - other than complain. Nowadays, I'll pick up that plastic bottle or granola bar wrapper and throw it in the bin at the trail entrance. I figure that one small step is exponentially better than complaining. It's my way of leaving the place a little better than when I started my hike - sort of my price of admission.
I can totally relate to this. I’ve had similar thoughts out in nature or just in my neighborhood. It's like a switch that goes off in our mind when we see something that needs fixing and recognize how we can actually do something about it. And maybe we won’t fix the broader problem entirely all on our own, at least not in that moment, but taking the action is still true to who we are, what we stand for and what we want to see more of in the world. It’s very reaffirming and I think more powerful than we have yet realized. Very beautifully said, thank you Neil!
“Maybe misery is preferable to the risk of looking foolish in the eyes of people who actually, secretly resent themselves for not being as brave as you.“ 👏
I love reading what you write. It’s factual and hopeful at the same time and so much more!
Thank you so much! That really means a lot.