{"id":475,"date":"2013-09-17T10:11:42","date_gmt":"2013-09-17T10:11:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.beliefnet.com\/everydayinspiration\/?p=475"},"modified":"2013-09-17T10:11:42","modified_gmt":"2013-09-17T10:11:42","slug":"how-to-be-good-for-the-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/everydayinspiration\/2013\/09\/how-to-be-good-for-the-world.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Be Good for the World"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cNever believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.\u201d – Margaret Mead<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The world is hurting, again.<\/p>\n

Yesterday was exceptionally busy \u2013 even for a Monday. When the workday finally came to a close, I jumped into my car looking forward to a peaceful night at home. But before leaving the office parking lot, I heard the news.<\/p>\n

Another shooting.<\/p>\n

This time in Washington D.C.<\/p>\n

This time 13 dead.<\/p>\n

This time all over, again.<\/p>\n

Listening to the news was another reminder that we aren\u2019t safe anywhere \u2013 not where we watch a movie; not where we send our children to school and not where we work.<\/p>\n

The world is hurting, again. <\/p>\n

We can choose to add to the pain; we can choose to ignore it; or we can chose to do something about.<\/p>\n

I choose to do something about it. I won\u2019t be held hostage by fear.<\/p>\n

I choose to be good for the world. And through my words and actions, I will show everyone who crosses my path that the world can be a place of peace.<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you want to walk the same path with me, here are a few things we can do together to be good for the world.<\/p>\n

And if we do, maybe a little of the pain can be replaced with love.<\/p>\n

–\tShow kindness<\/a>.
\n–\tWhen someone asks for your love \u2013 give it.
\n–\tTalk less and listen more.
\n–\tPractice the art of patience every day.
\n–\tAccept everyone for who they are; reject no one for who they are.
\n–\tLeave an unexpected note of love, encouragement or appreciation.
\n–\tSay, \u201cthank you.\u201d
\n–\tWhen someone needs you, give your attention right away; don\u2019t wait.
\n–\tHonor boundaries and expect your boundaries to be honored, too.
\n–\tHelp your neighbors through their weeds.
\n–\tLet your partner know you believe in her.
\n–\tLet your partner know you respect him.
\n–\tDon\u2019t use your words as a weapon.
\n–\tShow your children how to smile, relax and enjoy life.
\n–\tNever do anything you wouldn\u2019t want your partner to know.
\n–\tKeep your word.
\n–\tBe fully present when in the presence of others.
\n–\tShare your wisdom when asked.
\n–\tCreate a safe place for your family to live.
\n–\tLet go of grudges and live with a forgiving heart.
\n–\tShow respect to everyone you encounter.
\n–\tGive your shoulder for someone to grasp so they can take a leap of faith.
\n–\tFind ways to serve every day.
\n–\tLove your neighbor as you love yourself.
\n–\tLet your corner of the world see the goodness in you.<\/p>\n

About Alex Blackwell<\/a><\/h5>\n

Alex Blackwell is a father, husband and writer. He writes about inspiring things at The BridgeMaker<\/a>.
\nWeb<\/a> | Inspiring Things <\/a> | Free eBook: How to Love Consciously<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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