Yesterday I hiked up a small mountain with a few friends. It was a joyful event for so many reasons. First of all, it was great to be with good friends. Next, it was a gorgeous day and a beautiful trail. Also, the trail was filled with all kinds of happy people including young couples, families, friend groups and more. There were many bikers too biking up the roadway that crossed the trail here and there. Essentially the event brought me into the midst of happy, positive people on a beautiful day in a gorgeous place. Simply, awesome!
I write about this because everywhere I look I see the potential to make better--there are limitless opportunities to promote the good no matter where you live, what you do, or who you know. When I read about acts of terror, hate, and harm, I wonder why people choose to hurt rather than to help.
Donald Trump is one of the greatest examples of a hurter rather than a helper--he spent his entire presidency manipulating the people for his personal ambition rather than doing the good possible. What a waste of time, energy, and potential, and worse, he promoted hate, harm, divide, and even death. Criminal.
Yet, in my daily life, time and again, I see people choosing to help rather than hate. I see countless acts of kindness, service, and support day in and day out. Diversity is everywhere in my life--diversity of race, religion, lifestyle, love, jobs, family size, and every aspect of life. As we see in the natural world, diversity is our strength and when we acknowledge that, our lives are better.
So, as I move ahead today, I am going to think about the good possible and where I might contribute to that good. I'm also going to think about how I might help to prevent actions that promote the hurtful, hateful, bad acts that take an individual, group, or community down.
We can do better.
There is limitless opportunity to do better.
What good will you do today?