Change the World
I watched almost all of the Academy Awards last night.
Earlier today I watched the Tyra show.
Tonight I'm watching "Building a Dream" the story of Oprah's school in South Africa.
It's amazing the difference people with influence are making these days. The accomplishments that can be made to change the world and all that can be done to influence others positively makes me wonder why I never do more to better the world.
At the Academy Awards the energy crisis was pushed. It was exciting to see behind Melissa Etheridge's band, a huge screen projecting sentences of what everyone can do to help the environment. In acceptance speeches and by those presenting, it was affirmed that we can make a difference to help affect the climate problem and we need to take action.
On Tyra Banks today they promoted a healthy self-image, especially in regards to women's weight and body type. The whole audience and Tyra wore red one piece swimsuit style body-suits with their weight proudly displayed on them. Audience members were brought forward to share their stories about how Tyra's projecting a positive self image changed their lives. Celebrities were brought out to talk about their struggles with weight. Over and over we were reminded that no matter what size you are and what weight, as long as you're healthy, numbers are just numbers and we are all beautiful.
Oprah has built a school for South African girls who qualify academically and have incredible leadership skills. She even did personal interviews. This school will be paid for in full, every detail was planned out by Oprah herself, and every girl who graduates will be able to go to the college of her choice anywhere in the world, paid for by Oprah. They even get new clothing and backpacks. Oprah went to some of their houses to learn their stories and hardships. Many of their parents are dead. there's no electricity or running water, and many eat one meal a week, if that. She's giving girls a chance to succeed who otherwise might be dead within a few years.
All of these experiences have almost made me cry because of the sheer positive quality. It's remarkable to know that in the middle of all the bad things (drugs, violence, hate, etc...) there's still so much good out there and so many people who genuinely want to make a difference.
I am reminded then of what I contribute to the world. How do I positively change my surroundings? Why don't I contribute more of my energy or spirit into positive projects outside of myself and my immediate surroundings? There's only a couple answers I can come up with. 1) I'm very self-involved in my own life, problems, and situations. 2) I've grown up surrounded by the idea that you can't trust those who do good, that every charity or society is secretly out for your money or is just a hoax. 3) I make myself believe that I don't have time, or couldn't really make a difference right now, but maybe in the future I could. I'm sure I've said many times that I will change and I will get out into the community and make a difference, and I never do anything.
I remember a time when I was young and really wanted to change the world. I wanted to sponsor a child, I wanted to give to charities and really help others. I even used to sing with Sarah at the local nursing home for fun in middle school. Somewhere along the line I allowed the world and people around me to change those idealistic ideas. I became "disillusioned", lazy, self-involved, and turned into those whom I didn't respect.
Knowing you need to change doesn't make it happen. Wanting to change doesn't make it happen. Saying you will change doesn't make it happen. Action, does make it happen.
Don't say, just do.
Earlier today I watched the Tyra show.
Tonight I'm watching "Building a Dream" the story of Oprah's school in South Africa.
It's amazing the difference people with influence are making these days. The accomplishments that can be made to change the world and all that can be done to influence others positively makes me wonder why I never do more to better the world.
At the Academy Awards the energy crisis was pushed. It was exciting to see behind Melissa Etheridge's band, a huge screen projecting sentences of what everyone can do to help the environment. In acceptance speeches and by those presenting, it was affirmed that we can make a difference to help affect the climate problem and we need to take action.
On Tyra Banks today they promoted a healthy self-image, especially in regards to women's weight and body type. The whole audience and Tyra wore red one piece swimsuit style body-suits with their weight proudly displayed on them. Audience members were brought forward to share their stories about how Tyra's projecting a positive self image changed their lives. Celebrities were brought out to talk about their struggles with weight. Over and over we were reminded that no matter what size you are and what weight, as long as you're healthy, numbers are just numbers and we are all beautiful.
Oprah has built a school for South African girls who qualify academically and have incredible leadership skills. She even did personal interviews. This school will be paid for in full, every detail was planned out by Oprah herself, and every girl who graduates will be able to go to the college of her choice anywhere in the world, paid for by Oprah. They even get new clothing and backpacks. Oprah went to some of their houses to learn their stories and hardships. Many of their parents are dead. there's no electricity or running water, and many eat one meal a week, if that. She's giving girls a chance to succeed who otherwise might be dead within a few years.
All of these experiences have almost made me cry because of the sheer positive quality. It's remarkable to know that in the middle of all the bad things (drugs, violence, hate, etc...) there's still so much good out there and so many people who genuinely want to make a difference.
I am reminded then of what I contribute to the world. How do I positively change my surroundings? Why don't I contribute more of my energy or spirit into positive projects outside of myself and my immediate surroundings? There's only a couple answers I can come up with. 1) I'm very self-involved in my own life, problems, and situations. 2) I've grown up surrounded by the idea that you can't trust those who do good, that every charity or society is secretly out for your money or is just a hoax. 3) I make myself believe that I don't have time, or couldn't really make a difference right now, but maybe in the future I could. I'm sure I've said many times that I will change and I will get out into the community and make a difference, and I never do anything.
I remember a time when I was young and really wanted to change the world. I wanted to sponsor a child, I wanted to give to charities and really help others. I even used to sing with Sarah at the local nursing home for fun in middle school. Somewhere along the line I allowed the world and people around me to change those idealistic ideas. I became "disillusioned", lazy, self-involved, and turned into those whom I didn't respect.
Knowing you need to change doesn't make it happen. Wanting to change doesn't make it happen. Saying you will change doesn't make it happen. Action, does make it happen.
Don't say, just do.