"If we convince ourselves that nothing can change, we don't have to risk acting on our dreams." To be honest this concept has affected me very much. It is easy to find an excuse not to do something. “I’ll do it next week.” “I should be looking for a recycle bin… oh well, it’s just one cup.” “Tomorrow I’ll start with a 7 minutes shower, a few minutes longer today won’t kill anyone.” That concept of “just a little is not going to matter” happens because some of us don’t think in terms of adding another piece to the puzzle and slowly solving problems. Those of us only concentrate on solving problems with instant gratification, not working toward a long-term goal. There is a saying in my native tongue that says “De grão em grão, a galinha enche o papo” its literal translation is confusing in English, but it metaphorically means little by little we contribute to a better tomorrow, even if we can’t see the results right away.Before I had gotten involved with SLICE, I always thought of how great it would be to help do something that matters; however, I just never found the “time” to do so. Today I see that I should not have seen it as time, but as habit. Modifying our daily routine to help a cause you believe in does not take much time at all when it is so fulfilling. It is never too late to start. I’m happy I did at 26, instead of never, and I’ve been encouraging my younger brother to start now (he just turned 13). I only wish I had started earlier.
I'm sure Juliana that you have been helping "with things that matter" your whole life. That is the irony of community service. Sometimes people don't even recognize their role because it isn't glorious or it may not "matter" to others, but like you said we are all of piece of the puzzle working together for a greater cause.
ReplyDeleteI was in the same position. Even though I have been spending years volunteering with my family and my church, I still wanted to do something that I felt was really making a difference. For example, raising thousands of dollars and donating it to a local school because I felt that would make the difference right away. While reading the book, though I realized all the little things make a difference too. Now, being involved with Slice, I wish I had done a little research to find the same organization to get involved with on my own. However, Slice has provided me with the oppertunity to keep in contact with our organization and make a change even when class is done.
ReplyDeleteNot finding the "time" is I think every ones excuse. In Reality though we all have time, but being busy or appearing to be busy is the eaisest way to not participate. I mean how you can you feel bad about missing out on community service when you were 'busy'.
ReplyDeleteWe all should make time,
we owe each other and the world at least that.