The current climate in the United States and the world leaves many feeling pressured and stressed. With all of the uncertainty and upheaval taking place, it can be helpful to step back and realize that change is a normal state of nature. There are things that happen predictably and on schedule, while other events are almost always chaotic or random.
All of us who understand this share responsibility for managing ourselves and empowering others around us to manage concerns and fears. Integrity is imperative, and perspective is key. Conflict and power shifts are nothing new, but the internet, mobile services, and new technologies have enabled not only traditional news media, but almost any interested persons, to communicate quickly and visually on a massive scale. Video and visualization as the primary focus, instead of written words, is, in itself, guaranteed to gain the attention and involvement of previously disinterested bystanders.
One of the biggest issues in society today is divisiveness. We have troves of groups and categories drawing lines to distinguish "us versus them." People feel unheard, misunderstood, and even hated. They presume that they are forgotten by others and have nothing left to lose. Conscious choice and ethical decisions can overcome this potentially dangerous state of mind and create change. Apathy is unacceptable. Humanity is at a crossroads, and movement forward or backward is up to us all.
I happened across an incredible visual recently that perfectly illustrates how to find common ground. If you haven't seen this video, All That We Share, by TV2 Denmark, you should.
News and events, whether truly impactful or randomly sensational or tragic, can travel worldwide in minutes. It has become common for information to be delivered with politicized messages and uninformed and uneducated opinion, but it is still possible for information to be delivered straightforwardly without bias or filters.
This equates to both a serious threat and extreme opportunity for regimes and dictatorships, as well as corporations and private stakeholders in the business world. For the first time in history, random onlookers and independent loners also factor into these powerful communication channels. Companies, families, and dynasties that have been wealth holders and controllers for generations are suddenly facing real challenges and disruptions that threaten their continued dominance. John F Kennedy famously stated: "Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable."
One significant change over the past couple of years is the growth of involvement and participation in government and business on a widespread scale. It may have started on social media, but the unity among community members has led to the physical organization and mobilization of people with common concerns. Of course, it has also led to the rise of radical extremists, but the fallacy that they are the majority would be a manipulation of statistics. It is imperative that those of us who value our constitutional rights of freedom of speech and press help promote the importance of open dialogue.
Uncomfortable conversations and challenges to norms can lead to volatile exchanges, but suppression of these discussions is the first step toward autocracy. Disruption of states through violence and manipulation is as old as civilization, and it happens repeatedly because it is an effective method of change. The truth is that "most" of us just want good health, and the opportunity to live our lives with friends and family with a minimal amount of discomfort and chaos.
As I stated in my first blog ever, change is one of the only constants in today's world. Our happiness and ability to achieve our goals in life depend a great deal on managing it successfully. There are skills we can learn, and actions we can take, to help us manage change. I have heard concerns about how to help bridge the gap between fear and chaos with people who are unwilling to listen. I have also heard from people who desire to avoid political party lines and those who are concerned about how to step up without breaking workplace protocols or laws.
"Most" of us can agree that "my rights end where yours begin, and your rights end where mine begin." No matter how popular the opinion or where it falls on the political spectrum, we do not have to agree. When respect is set aside and personal space and safety are violated, there are natural consequences. However, opinions are not threats, and most of the time, one can simply walk away or unplug if a message is not to one's liking.
Freedom of speech and press mandates apply to all equally. Those who work to restrict and control either are enemies of a free nation, no matter how nicely their intentions are wrapped up and packaged. Children need protection from bullies and physical and emotional harm, but as a nation, we need to man up and woman up. Personal agendas and dysfunctions should not override constitutional rights and human decency.
We are living in chaotic times that can propel us to a healthier more prosperous time than humanity has ever experienced. However, if good people refuse to accept responsibility for managing the change involved, others with motives of personal power and greed will step into the leadership void to steer society in a much darker direction. For anyone interested in a "modern day" examination of personal responsibility and accountability, I recommend The Motivation Manifesto from Brendon Burchard. We must understand that we are not alone in our frustrations and that our individual actions do matter in the contribution toward solutions and change. These may be difficult times, but humanity has lived through struggles many times over.
As Jon Mertz points out in his article We Are in a Trust Depression, on thindifference.com, we must step up and take action to recover trust. He explains that we need systemic change, but that individuals must take bold, simple actions. He provides compelling research on the loss of faith by workers and citizens toward organizations and leaders, and he discusses why it matters.
Likewise, Nick Adkins, of the PinkSocks tribe, states that his guiding philosophy is about "using technology not to disrupt but to improve..to bring the relationship back to what it should be.....a shared moment in time. To understand that we are all in this together." He explains that "Politics, bureaucracies, and legacy systems have unfortunately done the polar opposite of what each of us as humans want", and he is right.
Marquis Trill expressed the feelings of many when he said: "Seems like America always has money to do unnecessary things, but when it comes to jobs, the sick, Flint water system, and hunger in the USA, we broke." His approach may be vastly different from that of Brendon, Jon, or Nick, but he is working to create change through help and healing.
There are thousands of people from different walks of life and political affiliations with varied beliefs and values, but we all share the common thread of humanity. We all breathe, bleed, live, and die if we are born into this world - that is inevitable, simple, and factual. It seems to be as good a starting point for common ground as any.
I will close with a message from Jay Shetty who is working diligently to help humanity save itself. Interestingly, it is worth noting that this non-political positive message filled with hope and encouragement, has an assortment of negative dismissive thoughts amidst the comments. Expect that! There are angry bitter people in this world who have no interest in solutions. They will always focus on the problems, and quite a few make money by encouraging you to do the same. Choose to live your life above that mindset.
All of us who understand this share responsibility for managing ourselves and empowering others around us to manage concerns and fears. Integrity is imperative, and perspective is key. Conflict and power shifts are nothing new, but the internet, mobile services, and new technologies have enabled not only traditional news media, but almost any interested persons, to communicate quickly and visually on a massive scale. Video and visualization as the primary focus, instead of written words, is, in itself, guaranteed to gain the attention and involvement of previously disinterested bystanders.
One of the biggest issues in society today is divisiveness. We have troves of groups and categories drawing lines to distinguish "us versus them." People feel unheard, misunderstood, and even hated. They presume that they are forgotten by others and have nothing left to lose. Conscious choice and ethical decisions can overcome this potentially dangerous state of mind and create change. Apathy is unacceptable. Humanity is at a crossroads, and movement forward or backward is up to us all.
I happened across an incredible visual recently that perfectly illustrates how to find common ground. If you haven't seen this video, All That We Share, by TV2 Denmark, you should.
News and events, whether truly impactful or randomly sensational or tragic, can travel worldwide in minutes. It has become common for information to be delivered with politicized messages and uninformed and uneducated opinion, but it is still possible for information to be delivered straightforwardly without bias or filters.
This equates to both a serious threat and extreme opportunity for regimes and dictatorships, as well as corporations and private stakeholders in the business world. For the first time in history, random onlookers and independent loners also factor into these powerful communication channels. Companies, families, and dynasties that have been wealth holders and controllers for generations are suddenly facing real challenges and disruptions that threaten their continued dominance. John F Kennedy famously stated: "Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable."
One significant change over the past couple of years is the growth of involvement and participation in government and business on a widespread scale. It may have started on social media, but the unity among community members has led to the physical organization and mobilization of people with common concerns. Of course, it has also led to the rise of radical extremists, but the fallacy that they are the majority would be a manipulation of statistics. It is imperative that those of us who value our constitutional rights of freedom of speech and press help promote the importance of open dialogue.
Uncomfortable conversations and challenges to norms can lead to volatile exchanges, but suppression of these discussions is the first step toward autocracy. Disruption of states through violence and manipulation is as old as civilization, and it happens repeatedly because it is an effective method of change. The truth is that "most" of us just want good health, and the opportunity to live our lives with friends and family with a minimal amount of discomfort and chaos.
As I stated in my first blog ever, change is one of the only constants in today's world. Our happiness and ability to achieve our goals in life depend a great deal on managing it successfully. There are skills we can learn, and actions we can take, to help us manage change. I have heard concerns about how to help bridge the gap between fear and chaos with people who are unwilling to listen. I have also heard from people who desire to avoid political party lines and those who are concerned about how to step up without breaking workplace protocols or laws.
Here are 5 specific things that you can do to help yourself, and people around you, work through change without violating personal boundaries.
1. Voice your support for truth and human rights. These things are completely independent of political affiliation no matter what various media outlets insinuate. There are good and bad people on all sides of the political spectrum.
2. Do not pretend that there are no problems. The "think positive" mantra is excellent, but becomes trite when used to gloss over serious issues. Acknowledge real problems, and use your expertise to help identify root issues which may be buried beneath layers of frustration. Do not assume that others have the same answers that seem obvious to you. Look for a place to share your knowledge locally.
3. Act on something that matters to you. Move yourself. Pick one thing, and do something toward positive growth, development, or progression. If a bridge is needed, find a single common problem that you can work on together with the other person or group.
4. Support initiatives that you are confident make sense. Food, water, and shelter are a good place to start because they are basic human needs. Examine your assumptions and why these things are luxuries to so many in the world when there is more than enough for everyone. Some issues are instigated by propaganda and advertisement, so educate yourself using balanced resources.
5. Act with respect toward others. Think back to that childhood "golden rule": "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." It is not complicated. Those who make THIS rule complicated have ulterior motives. Avoid them.
"Most" of us can agree that "my rights end where yours begin, and your rights end where mine begin." No matter how popular the opinion or where it falls on the political spectrum, we do not have to agree. When respect is set aside and personal space and safety are violated, there are natural consequences. However, opinions are not threats, and most of the time, one can simply walk away or unplug if a message is not to one's liking.
Freedom of speech and press mandates apply to all equally. Those who work to restrict and control either are enemies of a free nation, no matter how nicely their intentions are wrapped up and packaged. Children need protection from bullies and physical and emotional harm, but as a nation, we need to man up and woman up. Personal agendas and dysfunctions should not override constitutional rights and human decency.
We are living in chaotic times that can propel us to a healthier more prosperous time than humanity has ever experienced. However, if good people refuse to accept responsibility for managing the change involved, others with motives of personal power and greed will step into the leadership void to steer society in a much darker direction. For anyone interested in a "modern day" examination of personal responsibility and accountability, I recommend The Motivation Manifesto from Brendon Burchard. We must understand that we are not alone in our frustrations and that our individual actions do matter in the contribution toward solutions and change. These may be difficult times, but humanity has lived through struggles many times over.
As Jon Mertz points out in his article We Are in a Trust Depression, on thindifference.com, we must step up and take action to recover trust. He explains that we need systemic change, but that individuals must take bold, simple actions. He provides compelling research on the loss of faith by workers and citizens toward organizations and leaders, and he discusses why it matters.
Likewise, Nick Adkins, of the PinkSocks tribe, states that his guiding philosophy is about "using technology not to disrupt but to improve..to bring the relationship back to what it should be.....a shared moment in time. To understand that we are all in this together." He explains that "Politics, bureaucracies, and legacy systems have unfortunately done the polar opposite of what each of us as humans want", and he is right.
Marquis Trill expressed the feelings of many when he said: "Seems like America always has money to do unnecessary things, but when it comes to jobs, the sick, Flint water system, and hunger in the USA, we broke." His approach may be vastly different from that of Brendon, Jon, or Nick, but he is working to create change through help and healing.
There are thousands of people from different walks of life and political affiliations with varied beliefs and values, but we all share the common thread of humanity. We all breathe, bleed, live, and die if we are born into this world - that is inevitable, simple, and factual. It seems to be as good a starting point for common ground as any.
I will close with a message from Jay Shetty who is working diligently to help humanity save itself. Interestingly, it is worth noting that this non-political positive message filled with hope and encouragement, has an assortment of negative dismissive thoughts amidst the comments. Expect that! There are angry bitter people in this world who have no interest in solutions. They will always focus on the problems, and quite a few make money by encouraging you to do the same. Choose to live your life above that mindset.
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