Changing The World, One Step At A Time

I’ve been extremely busy the last week or so which isn’t normally a reason not to blog post but that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.   I’ve been very busy with working on my V1 book and other real-life issues.  Additionally I was also approached to write for a new Facebook Page and website called The Underground Revolution which already has over 5,000 followers.  It is a site dedicated to social change, environmental issues and tackling corporate greed and politicial inequalities so if you like that sort thing then why no head on over and see me there!  For now though I’d thought I would share my first post here….

We all know that the world is a bit of a messed up place and we’re all here because we want to do our bit to help change things for the better. Sometimes this can involve big social movements or fundraising for disasters at home and overseas, but we shouldn’t wait to be pushed by some event.

We’ve all been in situations where we have reacted badly due to the actions of others, wheather people are deliberately negative or simply not caring about others, it’s hard not to let people trampling us on the subway or throwing trash in our yard from making us see and act in a bad way ourselves. However, good deeds are equally effective at changing not just our behavior but also influencing the others we encounter.

Every time I leave my house, I try to make a conscious effort to help at least one person. Sometimes there is just no-one around or no-one requiring assistance, but open your eyes a little and you become aware of entirely free ways to help make the world a kinder place and make it one we want to live in. Ask that older person if they need a hand with carrying the shopping. Help that person with mobility issues off the bus or up the steps. Don’t just give the homeless person some coins, instead give them something priceless and speak to them, see if you can help them practically. Even if you can’t then you’ll have made them feel like a person and part of society for a few minutes which I can assure you is priceless.
Don’t assume that everything is ok or that someone won’t want your help. As a young guy, sometimes it is easy to assume that an older person or indeed a young lady might not want my help. I can tell you, only once did I get turned down. Whether it is giving lifts home to strangers encumbered by grocery shopping or giving your place in the taxi line to someone who needs it more than you. It will not go unnoticed. The person you helped will be grateful and act accordingly and those who see your actions are more likely to be nicer too.

As an example, last week in the snow I got the bus into town. The bus was late and a lady in a wheelchair was obviously feeling the cold more than the rest of us as she couldn’t move her legs. A local resident came out and gave her a hot drink. I thought to myself what a nice thing to do that. Later on after doing my shopping, I saw some Junior Doctors protesting about unpopular legislative changes here in the U.K. They looked cold, had given up a days pay and all because they thought they were doing what was right to save the lives of their future patients. Quite a few people were supporting them or signing petitions but thinking back to the kindness shown earlier in the day, I went and bought all 20 protesters snacks to warm them up.

 

It wasn’t just the fact that they got free food to keep them going, it was the fact that someone had taken time out to put these dedicated and selfless people before themselves that made them the happiest. Not only did I get hugs all round but I saw the looks on the faces of everyone nearby and I’m confident I set in motion a lot of good deeds as well as helping people. Of course, it wasn’t my idea but the resident who gave out the hot drink that deserves the real praise…. or maybe the doctor who treated her for slipping on the ice the day before.  That’s the thing about helping people, you never can tell quite how big an impact you will have on people.

 

And what if that person doesn’t want your help? It does happen sometimes. I remember being told by an obviously driven career woman that she didn’t need me to be nice to her by holding open the door. Do as I told her, and think if the worst happens then you are doing it to be nice and kind for yourself not for anyone else.