The Future is Now

"F" is for Future
 

“How wonderful that no one need wait a single moment 

to improve the world." 

Anne Frank (1929-1945)

With so much buzz about 2012 and the Mayan calendar, I can't help but think about our future and what it might look like.   I must admit, some days it's hard to be optimistic.  Political revolutions, austerity measures, oil wars, corporate bail outs, climate change, famine, peak oil, genetically modified food - so many things seem to be reaching their tipping point.   So what can one person do about any of this?  Lots!

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for 

good men to do nothing.”

Edmund Burke (1729-1797); Statesman, Author, Philosopher

5 things you can do to make a difference 

(from http://marinebio.org/oceans/conservation/local.asp) 

Try to keep things in perspective. Be mindful of the big problems, but focus on solving them through the things we can all do everyday to help reduce them.  Develop a positive outlook:

1. First, accept that you are only able to control your actions and responses to changing conditions around you.
   
2. Take responsibility for your actions in all things. It sounds simple but being accountable to yourself will help you make the necessary changes.
   
3. Stop to consider the consequences of your actions (if I choose to do this, what will be the result?).
   
4.  Lead by example! If you can change, then it just might inspire others.
   
5. Remember that one person can make a difference. Small accomplishments add up quicker then you might think. Remember, no matter what your economic standing, you can help save the environment and money at the same time. You the consumer drive the market; products are made because you buy them. If you buy products that are better for the environment it will become profitable for companies to respond to the demand for environmentally-friendly products. It really is that simple.
   
   If you choose only one product on which to flex your consumer muscle, please make it bottled water.  Watch the movie "Tapped" - it will boggle your mind!  At least spend a bit of time on the movie's website found here.   Thank you!
   

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, 

but still I can do something; 

and because I cannot do everything, 

I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”

Edward Everett Hale

What one man is doing to prove small, individual actions have earthshaking potential: http://www.rd.com/true-stories/inspiring/paul-stamets-and-the-healing-power-of-mushrooms/

“...if anything matters then everything matters. Because you are important, everything you do is important. Every time you forgive, the universe changes; every time you reach out and touch a heart or a life, the world changes; with every kindness and service, seen or unseen, my purposes are accomplished and nothing will be the same again.”      William P. Young, The Shack