Last Friday I flipped through stations on my tired 2004 car
radio and didn’t like the music, so I settled on a news program. Four women
discussed Bitcoin and cryptocurrency. Normally any financial conversation would
make my ears blur in confusion, and a blanket would cover my disinterested
brain. But for some reason I couldn’t flip the channel; I was captivated by
these women and their zeal discussing blockchain technology and its future.
These women cared about something so foreign to me. I respected their focus.
Their passion.
Especially now, after experiencing a ton of life, seeing
injustices, and witnessing these tumultuous times…one would bet we all feel
passionate about something. Seeing videos and photos of students protesting gun
violence in schools gave me hope that people are fighting for what matters. But
I’m just sitting on the sidelines, more like in my comfy La-Z-Boy recliner, and
hoping that someone else is fighting for my causes.
Should we all be fighting for the issues near and dear to our hearts? How
does deeply caring translate to actual action? What stirs up your passions
enough to do something?
Without taking a breath I could list the issues that make my
heart beat faster. Aside from reading articles and books, posting and liking on
facebook, sending letters to politicians via ResistBot, and having spirited
chats with friends and my kids…I’m not doing anything. Does being a voter and a
concerned citizen not suffice anymore? I get angry when politicians tweet “thoughts
and prayers” after innocent people are murdered because condolences are not
enough…politicians need to DO something. But
am I no better?
In 2000 friends and I did an AIDS charity bike ride from
Boston to NYC. The experience was an explosive effort; hundreds collectively encouraged
the cyclists along the way. I felt exhilarated being part of a greater good—joining
together for 3 days of supportive and hopeful joy. So I thought—maybe I could
get out-of-shape me to find something like that again. When I googled charity
bike rides I found hundreds of opportunities. You can pretty much pedal for any
cause: literacy, Alzheimer’s, childhood hunger, cancer research…the endless list
gave me hope.
During the recent snow day my kids and I watched Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. The characters
get trapped in a video game and have to replace a jewel in a jaguar statue to
go home. Each person is given three lives—which are tracked as tattooed lines
on their arms. Who knew I’d listen to Kevin Hart and take his words so
seriously? “We all get one life; decide how you’re going to
spend it.”
So whether you spend that one life volunteering, giving
money, protesting, contacting politicians, cycling for a cause, pursuing
cryptocurrencies, or running for office—if you feel the burning passion to make
your voice heard…many outlets and opportunities exist. Seek them. Do something.
Get up from the La-Z-Boy and act with purpose before that passion fizzles into
excuses and powerless pleasantries.
P.S. Yesterday I took my own advice and attended the
inspiring and hopeful March for our Lives rally in West Chester, PA. For many
reasons I’m glad I did—but mostly because I was in awe by the students who spoke with
poise, determination, and emotion. They reminded the thousand who attended
that we all have something at stake in securing the safety of our children in
schools. I urge you to get involved in a cause that gives you goosebumps and
keeps you awake at night. With your energy and effort you can make a
difference.
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