Small changes make a difference

    Mahatma Gandhi said: “We must be the change we want to see in the world.” So many people seem to have such high expectations, and of course, we want it all now: an immediate return on our investments. Why is it so difficult to be that change?     Perhaps it’s the scale of our problems these days. We seem to think “government” will fix our problems and meet all our needs. We can make a difference, each one of us, beginning with our attitudes.
    I think there was a time when young people grew up thinking they could be anything they wanted to be, they could do whatever they wanted to do. We lived in a land of limitless opportunities, and could absolutely be the people who would change the world we live in. I am not clear if our young people still think so these days, but I believe they must.
    We lead by example, and we must look at ourselves, our neighbors, friends, community members to work together to be what we want our community to be. Who are we? We are what we do. There is a Web site even: wearewhatwedo.org! There’s a whole host of small, everyday things we can do: individually, in groups, all of us together. We can make a difference. We need to start, and not wait for “government” to fix our problems.
    Here are just a few thoughts from their site: give blood; change a light bulb, or two or three; unplug your appliances when they aren’t in use; recycle your cell phone; read a book to a child; register online to be an organ donor; give your change to charity — pick your favorite local one and be lighter and lose the dirty change; have the will to make a will; use a mug, not a disposable cup; and recycle your books.
    Lions Share: they’ll treat you well, I know they will, or your own public library; buy Fair Trade products.; let one car in ahead of you, waiting in line to get out; and use both sides of every piece of paper.
    A small story: I have one board member who does this. In all this time, one board member who always has faxes from us, on papers which have e-mails printed on the opposite side. The papers are all bound together in a very used envelope, not from the chamber (yes, those brown 10 inch by 13 inch envelopes do cost 19 cents each), with six or seven rubber bands. You know who you are! We have all razzed this person at meetings, but really, you’re saving a tree! Small business owners know the value of a piece of paper. We lead by example!
    Finally, my favorite this week: don’t just do something, sit there: listen! A lost art form? Could be. We must be the change we want Caribou to be!