We’re All in This Together
Staying Positive in Troubling Times
By Halsey Snow
1. There is no power greater than the power of the people.
Although this is a truism, the limiting factor is how alert the majority of people are to any specific – or even general – issue. When enough people are informed and motivated then change happens. So the key is to stay informed and remember that action is a choice that comes from within. And the corollary to that is: there is no act, however large or small, which does not make a difference.
2. Stop using fossil fuels and plastic.
I am doing it, and you can too. It’s amazing how many ways plastic comes into our lives. And there are ways to minimize it. The important thing is to reduce your reliance on gasoline, diesel, fuel oil, propane, and natural gas. You have to decide you’re going to do it first. Then it will become apparent how to do it.
3. Don’t make it a battle.
There are many writers and commentators who talk about using your anger to motivate your action. My own challenge is to recognize the internal effects of this “battle mentality,” to see how this is the reason that we are where we are and to seek another way. I think of Ghandi and non-violent resistance. “Battling” what you believe stands in your way focuses your energy on the battle, not on making what you want come into being. The challenge is to stop battling AND stay connected, rather than disconnecting, which is an easy way out.
4. What gives you hope?
In your response to this question, do you look outside of yourself or inwards? I would say that hope must come from within, for what you see on the outside can go either way depending on your predilection – optimist, pessimist, realist, or whatever. Maybe it’s not as important “what gives you hope” as recognizing that you DO make a difference, whether you can see that or not. That is a tenet of belief which is not necessarily learned, taught, given, or indoctrinated. You can choose to believe it and see what effect it has on you.
There are always reasons for hope, if you look for them. Or reasons for despair, if you look for them. Perhaps we need to recognize that what we look for is our choice and affects what we see.
Halsey Snow is a member of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby and lives in Casco.
