For more than one year, the whole world is still in the same situation – prevented from functioning as before, for people to hug each other, to have a regular education, to breathe without masks… It seems that nothing is under our control. Young people especially feel unmotivated because they are prevented to live the best years of their lives the way they want to. For those who love to be active, to do some good stuff for society, it seems that there is no chance for it anymore. Pandemic has stopped many planned activities and, although everything seems uncertain and unpredictable, life cannot be stopped. Life always flows and gives us a second chance for things we truly want.
Through the time we mostly spend at home, thanks to the internet we still have plenty of chances to achieve our goals. Right from our home, we still can influence a better world. Here is some suggestion how we can spend our time quality, in a way that at the same time brings joy to us and others.
1. Inspirational social media content
The global atmosphere is full of fear and confusion. I think that it’s an illusion that one person cannot make anything to change it. For example, YOU can create a page on social networks and share on it some inspirational posts, some positive thoughts, and probably helps someone to feel better for a moment. We are much more powerful than we think, and everyone can change someone’s day for the better, if not live – then using social media. You can use your social media channels to spread some positivity that is more than needed now. Don’t underestimate the power of small action that almost invisibly changes the atmosphere for the better.
Also, during we are mostly at home, maybe we have more time to learn new skills and gain more knowledge about topic we are interested in. Good thing is that most of them can be found on the internet. When we learn something new or have something worthy to share with others, we can use platforms like blogs or youtube to write down or record our experiences that can be useful to others. Sharing is caring, so let’s share with others our skills, talents, and light up someone’s day during these difficult times.
2. Support small producers
Since many of the stores of big fashion brands are closed, wouldn’t it be nice to think about our consumer habits? Fashion is one of the industries that make most of the pollution, and big fashion brands refused to produce less, even if most of the clothes are not a necessity for humans. In parallel with that, I’m sure that most of us know someone in our environment who struggles to sell his/her products. Local producers often spend much more time to produce something, they give their whole time and love to finish some products and buying from them can be helpful because of many reasons. If we buy local, we support people who are “one of us”, we give support to the local economy and don’t participate in the pollution of the planet. When we need something for us, our home or a gift for someone (from food, clothes, and many other creative stuff) first, we can look into our environment or google local brands and craftsmen. And of course give them support on social media! 😉
3. Help those in need
This time is important for learning to take care of others. One of the things we can do for those in need is to ask them how we can help. For example, we can help our older neighbors by bringing them food from stores, or we can help kids who have challenges with online classes. Also, we can be part, or even initiators of actions for collecting money for humanitarian purposes. Together with your group of Kolping youth, you can organize many activities that is helpful to others. Start with trying to identificate what is most needed in your environment and then divide responsibilities according to your abilities, and if possibile use online platforms and adapt to epidemiological measures.
Also, one of the ideas is to get rid of unnecessary things after tidying up the house by donating them to someone who needs it. We can also sell them for humanitarian purposes and give the collected money where it is most needed.
Another idea of how to help others around us can apply to animals. Whenever we have leftover food, we can take it to dogs that are in our area. We can leave dishes with water in front of our house, especially when the weather is warmer, and in that way think about the health of stray pets.
4. Be on the side of nature
We are all witnessing how much nature can recover when people get out of its way. As prevention for these scenarios, we can use small steps and choices to connect with nature in a more significant way. We can plant flowers, make a small nature corner in our house or flat. If we have a garden, we can try to spend more time planting flowers and maybe planting vegetables to eat. It is perfect for us to get to know the whole process of vegetable production, as well as to eat healthier food and provide fresh air. Also, as part of helping nature, we can stick a reminder above the door that will remind us to always carry a bag when we go to the supermarket and not to use plastic one. Our choice may be to use more products from wood,glass and paper or other biodegradable materials and on that way don’t participate in nature pollution. Also, when going somewhere, do not use the vehicle unless necessary. Interestingly, what is good for nature is good for us at the same time.
And everything we do for nature, we actually do for ourselves, because nature gives us back many times over all the goods we do for her.
5. Work on yourself
Last but not least – joining webinars or some online courses gives you an opportunity to become a better and more productive person. And by making the most of yourself, the world is already a better place! So, read a lot, watch educational movies and invest in yourself in all possible ways. Kolping Youth Europe organize online event such as Kolping Talk, Kolping Apero. These are nice opportunities for young people to get in touch with their peers from abroad and also to learn about other countries and cultures. Only one part of the world we can always change, and that part is we ourselves. Don’t forget – knowledge is power! And use your power in the best possible way.
Life keep telling us that sometimes change is all we have. We must relearn to answer to different situations in the best possible way, and to keep listening to what life is trying to teach us, because, as our founder says “the needs of the time will teach us what to do.” And it is up to us to act in accordance with those needs.
Great article! Thank you!