Summary
Know that a positive change in the world can start with you.
Does the news make you feel helpless? Do current events make you feel overwhelmed?
With all the news choices on the internet, TV, radio, and in print, it’s easy to get oversaturated. Even when events don’t touch you personally, it can feel scary and like the world is off balance.
What is bothering you and why?
If there’s a current event that has you down, it might be your own hot button issue. Putting your energy into working for social change or raising awareness for an issue you feel strongly about can lead to a feeling of empowerment and a sense of purpose.
First, learn more about the issue or event. Find trusted news sources. Watch documentaries or TV shows that cover the issue from different angles. Listen to news stories and podcasts. Shape the root of the issue and where you stand.
It’s possible that it’s many issues or events that are happening at the same time. Stress can be increased during a string of natural disasters, senseless shootings, or during an election year. Instead of trying to solve everything, focus on what matters most to you and your loved ones.
Find your voice
Many of us have a favorite charity, political persuasion, or civil rights issue that we support. Based on what is happening in the world, some events might sway a belief you thought was firm. This can cause more stress.
Consider:
- What talents or gifts do you have that can help out your cause?
- What would you do if you had endless resources to make a change?
- Is there an outlet that exists now? Or do you need to make one?
The internet is a great place to do your initial search for like-minded causes, organizations, and grass roots campaigns. But don’t forget your local library, coffee house, and community center. There are people all around you that you might or might not know who are feeling a similar way.
Make a real change
What can you do on a micro level to get the momentum going? Here are some ideas:
- Vote during your local elections.
- Sign petitions for causes that are important to you.
- Write letters to your congress people or local newspaper.
- Look for—or create—social media groups to pull together like-minded folks.
- Give your time or money to causes that need your help.
If the distressing event or cause really sticks, it might be time to figure out how to become involved on a larger level:
- Is there a career shift or degree you can pursue that seems appealing?
- Does a local branch of a larger organization need to be created?
- Can you start an awareness campaign with T-shirts, fliers, and other tools?
Know that a positive shift can start with you. The source of uneasiness often signals a need for change. And that can be a good thing. Tap your inner resources to feel empowered and balance your world.
Resources
Effective Altruism
www.effectivealtruism.org
Volunteer Match
www.volunteermatch.org
Summary
Know that a positive change in the world can start with you.
Does the news make you feel helpless? Do current events make you feel overwhelmed?
With all the news choices on the internet, TV, radio, and in print, it’s easy to get oversaturated. Even when events don’t touch you personally, it can feel scary and like the world is off balance.
What is bothering you and why?
If there’s a current event that has you down, it might be your own hot button issue. Putting your energy into working for social change or raising awareness for an issue you feel strongly about can lead to a feeling of empowerment and a sense of purpose.
First, learn more about the issue or event. Find trusted news sources. Watch documentaries or TV shows that cover the issue from different angles. Listen to news stories and podcasts. Shape the root of the issue and where you stand.
It’s possible that it’s many issues or events that are happening at the same time. Stress can be increased during a string of natural disasters, senseless shootings, or during an election year. Instead of trying to solve everything, focus on what matters most to you and your loved ones.
Find your voice
Many of us have a favorite charity, political persuasion, or civil rights issue that we support. Based on what is happening in the world, some events might sway a belief you thought was firm. This can cause more stress.
Consider:
- What talents or gifts do you have that can help out your cause?
- What would you do if you had endless resources to make a change?
- Is there an outlet that exists now? Or do you need to make one?
The internet is a great place to do your initial search for like-minded causes, organizations, and grass roots campaigns. But don’t forget your local library, coffee house, and community center. There are people all around you that you might or might not know who are feeling a similar way.
Make a real change
What can you do on a micro level to get the momentum going? Here are some ideas:
- Vote during your local elections.
- Sign petitions for causes that are important to you.
- Write letters to your congress people or local newspaper.
- Look for—or create—social media groups to pull together like-minded folks.
- Give your time or money to causes that need your help.
If the distressing event or cause really sticks, it might be time to figure out how to become involved on a larger level:
- Is there a career shift or degree you can pursue that seems appealing?
- Does a local branch of a larger organization need to be created?
- Can you start an awareness campaign with T-shirts, fliers, and other tools?
Know that a positive shift can start with you. The source of uneasiness often signals a need for change. And that can be a good thing. Tap your inner resources to feel empowered and balance your world.
Resources
Effective Altruism
www.effectivealtruism.org
Volunteer Match
www.volunteermatch.org
Summary
Know that a positive change in the world can start with you.
Does the news make you feel helpless? Do current events make you feel overwhelmed?
With all the news choices on the internet, TV, radio, and in print, it’s easy to get oversaturated. Even when events don’t touch you personally, it can feel scary and like the world is off balance.
What is bothering you and why?
If there’s a current event that has you down, it might be your own hot button issue. Putting your energy into working for social change or raising awareness for an issue you feel strongly about can lead to a feeling of empowerment and a sense of purpose.
First, learn more about the issue or event. Find trusted news sources. Watch documentaries or TV shows that cover the issue from different angles. Listen to news stories and podcasts. Shape the root of the issue and where you stand.
It’s possible that it’s many issues or events that are happening at the same time. Stress can be increased during a string of natural disasters, senseless shootings, or during an election year. Instead of trying to solve everything, focus on what matters most to you and your loved ones.
Find your voice
Many of us have a favorite charity, political persuasion, or civil rights issue that we support. Based on what is happening in the world, some events might sway a belief you thought was firm. This can cause more stress.
Consider:
- What talents or gifts do you have that can help out your cause?
- What would you do if you had endless resources to make a change?
- Is there an outlet that exists now? Or do you need to make one?
The internet is a great place to do your initial search for like-minded causes, organizations, and grass roots campaigns. But don’t forget your local library, coffee house, and community center. There are people all around you that you might or might not know who are feeling a similar way.
Make a real change
What can you do on a micro level to get the momentum going? Here are some ideas:
- Vote during your local elections.
- Sign petitions for causes that are important to you.
- Write letters to your congress people or local newspaper.
- Look for—or create—social media groups to pull together like-minded folks.
- Give your time or money to causes that need your help.
If the distressing event or cause really sticks, it might be time to figure out how to become involved on a larger level:
- Is there a career shift or degree you can pursue that seems appealing?
- Does a local branch of a larger organization need to be created?
- Can you start an awareness campaign with T-shirts, fliers, and other tools?
Know that a positive shift can start with you. The source of uneasiness often signals a need for change. And that can be a good thing. Tap your inner resources to feel empowered and balance your world.
Resources
Effective Altruism
www.effectivealtruism.org
Volunteer Match
www.volunteermatch.org