Episode 9: Purpose in Actions

The other night I had one of the most direct and telling dreams I’ve ever had. In my dream, I was walking with some friends and all they were doing was complaining about how much Covid has taken away from us. As most people are, I’m sick and tired of hearing about how much Covid sucks. So as they were saying they have never been to a high school dance, or party, or had any normal high school sophomore life – I decided I’d had enough. I turned around and raised my voice saying “You guys have done nothing but complain this whole trip! Of course Covid sucks! But it’s a part of life right now!” Then I became filled with this passion and again raised my voice and said “Have any of you done anything to actually do something about this hard year? I could name 25 things that you could be doing instead of complaining right now.” After I said this, they just stared at me. They didn’t say anything – but only looked at me with an astounded look in their eyes. 

When I woke up, I remembered in my dream I told my friends I could name 25 things that they could be doing to make the world better. I’m going to share 5 things you can do right now here,

1. Thank you parents for doing something small today (maybe they unloaded the dishwasher or did the laundry)
2. Smile at someone new in the hall and even say hello to them! 
3. Go outside and say a prayer of thanks for what’s around you – the weather, the view, anything!
4. Wait for a friend when you’re both leaving the classroom and give them a compliment. 
5. Thank your teacher in person or on zoom for all they’re doing for their students. 

These are just some ideas on how to make the world a little bit better these days. Of course, on the bigger level if you see someone or something needing to be stood up for – speak up and take a stance. But right now, the little things can be what help us get through the day, and what help us to be grounded in hope and purpose.