NOVEMBER 2024: Tug of War

Are you witnessing the tug of war between mild and cooler weather this fall? Toronto has had weather swings much like my mood swings used to be – up and down!

I’m confounded about what to wear when I leave home in the morning and plan to return after dark. I’m confounded about so many things these days.

Politics! What the heck? May I ask you why people are influenced by television and social media influencers? Who can read train timetables (I can’t)? How does some music move me to tears?

Life seems manageable when I don’t over focus on the news. It gives me time to focus on things that are within my control. I aim to develop new habits that keep my body healthy. I stretch. I strive to eat better. I write in the morning, when my mind is clear. I do some volunteer work. Sure – I drop the ball on some of these things, but I feel sure that I’m making progress.

I endeavor to support someone each day – in various ways. I’ll text a sick friend. I find out what an acquaintance wants and find it for them. I mail a snail mail card to someone who will appreciate it. I greet people I see when I’m on my errands. Especially seniors. These are all things that make me feel like I’m living a good life.

There used to be a tug of war between doing things for myself or others. Time was so sparse. Then, I was sad about my life challenges. I have more time available these days. I also discovered that when I do things for others, it makes me feel better than getting extra sleep or reading another novel. I take great satisfaction in doing things that make life easier. For anyone. If I can hold the door for you, I will.

Patrick Geedes coined the phrase “Think Global. Act Local.” He was focused on environmental concerns. I’ve extracted the meaning of that phrase for my own purposes.

When I heard that more people need to use food banks, I organized an annual food drive in my building for local food banks. I’m not able to write a fat cheque to the food bank, but I can ask others to give food and take it to a place where people can pick it up.

It hasn’t solved the larger problem, but that’s something that’s not within my reach. Use ‘Think Global. Act Local.’ for your own purposes. Turn the television off and spend less time on social media. Look for ways you can make a difference in someone else’s life. Create a ripple effect in your town or city. Come to think of it – become an influencer in your community. Harness your own power to make a difference. I’m cheering you on!