“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” — Howard Thurman
This is great advice when the world can seem chaotic and out of control. Over the years I’ve been given two prices of advice that really help. One is to look for the helpers. See who is helping others and work with the them. Also, everything is local. The best chance of making change happens at the local level so get involved and start there. As you said everything starts with action.
One thing I remind myself, over and over again, is this: the amount of energy you put into worrying about something does not count as effort expended towards solving the problem.
This line stayed with me: “You don’t have to succeed, you just have to try.” It reframes effort itself as meaningful, not just the outcome. In a world that demands constant proof of success, that feels quietly revolutionary.
Also love how you contrast disengagement with thoughtful engagement. Tuning out entirely has never felt right to me—but neither has drowning in doomscrolls. This piece helped me feel less alone in that middle space: caring deeply, while still protecting my nervous system. Thank you.
Love this. It reminds me of what I learned when considering climate anxiety. It might not solve everything but action of one form or another is a step to relieving the stress and making progress: https://sketchplanations.com/climate-anxiety
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” — Howard Thurman
This is great advice when the world can seem chaotic and out of control. Over the years I’ve been given two prices of advice that really help. One is to look for the helpers. See who is helping others and work with the them. Also, everything is local. The best chance of making change happens at the local level so get involved and start there. As you said everything starts with action.
Thanks so much for sharing. This is timely advice for a world that seems to be spinning a bit out of control.
One thing I remind myself, over and over again, is this: the amount of energy you put into worrying about something does not count as effort expended towards solving the problem.
This reminds me of the quote from Viktor Frankl, "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."
This line stayed with me: “You don’t have to succeed, you just have to try.” It reframes effort itself as meaningful, not just the outcome. In a world that demands constant proof of success, that feels quietly revolutionary.
Also love how you contrast disengagement with thoughtful engagement. Tuning out entirely has never felt right to me—but neither has drowning in doomscrolls. This piece helped me feel less alone in that middle space: caring deeply, while still protecting my nervous system. Thank you.
Much of the time the outcome prevents us from trying.
There's such a strong desire for the problem to be solved we don't take the first step because it's too overwhelming.
However, that first step generates lots of momentum and happiness.
It’s exactly what I needed to hear this morning!!
Love this. It reminds me of what I learned when considering climate anxiety. It might not solve everything but action of one form or another is a step to relieving the stress and making progress: https://sketchplanations.com/climate-anxiety