The World of Bohemedude

Something Better in 2008--My Resolution

I usually don't make resolutions for the new year. It seems rather futile to me. Most of the time, I just don't manage to keep the resolutions I make. I definitely have had some limited success with certain resolutions, but in most cases, my resolve to make life changes lasts about 6 weeks. As they say, hold habits die hard.

For some reason, I feel somewhat compelled to make a resolution this year. It's something I've actually been giving some serious thought to in the past few days. Even last night, I felt moved by a still small voice telling me that it's time for change. I was watching the news with my partner and was drawn in by the coverage of the assassination of  Benazir Bhutto in Pakistan. Admittedly, I don't know a lot about the Middle East and the turmoil that seems to constantly overshadow that region of the World. But, I know enough to feel the anguish of the people of Pakistan who had placed their hopes in the hands of Bhutto. And, I realize that her assassination is the result of corruption and political unrest. On one hand, it is abundantly clear to me that such corruption runs rampant in our World and that it's truly larger than life and erradicating it will be no small feat.  On the other hand, however, I completely understand that governments and institutions are created and managed by people, by individuals acting together for a common goal or cause. And on an individual, personal level we can make a choice to live our lives honestly and with integrity.

I really want to believe that as individuals we can make a difference in the World. I want to believe that my personal vision and desire for peace sends out trickles to the Universe, and those waves multiplied by the intentions of others can truly bring about change.I have to believe it because my sister is being deployed to Baghdad, Iraq for the second time. She'll be away from her husband and two little girls for 15 months. My whole family is traveling to North Carolina in a few weeks to spend some time with her before she leaves. The whole scenario shakes me to the very core of my being. And, I know that ours is not the first family to experience any of this, so I feel guilty when I speak of the fear and anger I feel about her going to my friends. This war has cost us all way too much!

I spent Christmas with friends this year and was thrilled to hear about a project that the daughter of some friends started all of her own accord. Last year, Alex made care packages to give to homeless people living on the streets in San Francisco. The experience was so enriching for her that she made even more packages this year and plans on making this an annual endeavor. She has even gotten friends and neighbors involved in donating items to be included in the packages. This is a project that truly excites this young lady.

What moved me more than anything about this endeavor is that Alex simply wanted to do something good for others. She started out by making only 10 care packages the first year, hardly a drop in the bucket when you think of the thousands of homeless people in the city. Even so, if you ask her, Alex will tell you how much this project has meant to her and the people whose lives she has touched. Just one example of how a small individual effort has a larger effect.

We hear stories like Alex's all the time. If you're like me, you probably get a bit teary-eyed and are moved by the kindness and generosity of one who truly cares for others. And, then you go about your business. That's how I react anyway. Sure, a part of me may feel inspired to do something similar to help others, but my thought rarely results in action.

My resolution for 2008 is to do something better than just thinking about change. I'm going to put thought into action as much as I can.  It takes so little effort--truly--to make a difference in the lives of those around us. We all have a desire and a need to connect with others. We all have a need and desire to know that we matter to someone else. What does it take to reach out to those around us?  A  phone call to a friend just to say hello... Handing your restaurant left-overs to someone who is living on the streets...  Donating food or used clothing to a shelter... Volunteering to read to the visually impaired... Visiting a nursing home...  When we do these small things, our paradigms shift, and we can begin to see the need to be responsible on a more national and global level.

Something better in 2008--It starts with a small, conscious effort to make a difference!