Think Globally, Act Personally

5 ways to make our world a kinder place to live in.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the future. And I think with good reason. These are very divisive times, and we’ve been seeing some ugly trends happening across the world — trends that are making the world a little less loving at times and giving me more worry for the future. As the father of a young son, I can’t help but find this extremely distressing.

So I’ve been thinking… as I’ve said. Specifically, I’ve been thinking of what I might tell my son about making this a better, kinder world. About how what I can do and what he can do.

There is an old slogan that goes, “Think globally, act locally.” Usually, it’s applied to such things as recycling, maintaining low carbon footprints, and protecting the environment. But I think this can be tweaked a little to apply to people.

Maybe, “think globally, act personally.”

The idea is that we, as individuals, can all do our small part in making this a better, kinder world to live in. Not just for ourselves, but for generations to come.

Here are five simple ways to start.

1. See the Value In Others

Why see value in others?

Because everyone has value.

The trick, sometimes, is allowing yourself to see it.

Everyone is someone’s child. Many are someone’s parent or sibling. Everyone has some sort of relationship with another person, and, in that sense, we’re all interconnected.

Not every value has to be measured monetarily or by what they can do for you. Many people provide value just by existing. If we can accept that, we’ve made a gigantic first step in bringing the world together.

Yes, it can be challenging at times. Some people will make you wonder what possible value they have.

Instead of assuming they don’t have value, try to begin with the assumption that they do. Give others the same benefit of the doubt you would hope to receive yourself.

Everyone Is Somebody

I get it. There are times when we think we’re the only real person in a world of androids or actors.

The truth is that every single person you see — no matter how briefly — is a person with a life, a history, and a future. They have their own thoughts. They have their own feelings.

They have their own unique experiences.

They’ve laughed. They’ve cried.

That you don’t know the specifics isn’t important. But if you take the time to get to know a stranger, you both walk away richer.

Be a Good Person Even When No One Is Watching

Kindness is its own reward.

This is one of those things where your relationship with yourself is the most important thing.

We all commit little sins from time to time. On occasion, those sins aren’t always tiny. Often, we let society dictate our behavior, but what about those times when we’re alone?

No witnesses, right?

Well, no witnesses except for yourself.

You.

You’re a witness.

Whether it’s not committing a tiny sin, or it’s engaging in a random act of kindness or charity, you’re watching yourself do what you do.

Don’t you want to feel good about the decisions you make?

At the end of each day, reflect on your ups and downs and work on having more ups than downs, no matter who is on hand to see it. You’ll feel better each and every day.

Learn How To Make a Proper Apology

We hurt people. It happens. It often happens by accident, and we don’t mean it, but impact trumps intent.

The worst sorts of apologies are those that begin, “I’m sorry you were offended….”

No. That’s shifting the blame of the offense on the other person. Like it’s their fault they were offended and not your fault that you gave offense.

Practice accepting responsibility for your actions, even if you aren’t proud of them or if you know it’s done someone else harm. It’s the best way to learn from the experience and to get past it.

For both of you.

Try to see things from the other person’s perspective. That can help you see how what you may have said or done was hurtful.

Apologize. Mean it. And learn to do better.

Everyone will be better off for it.

Don’t Gossip

This may seem like a pretty mundane piece of advice, but it can significantly impact how you grow your character and how you nurture relationships with others.

Imagine this. If someone hears you talking about someone else behind their back, they can reasonably assume you’re doing the same about them. You end up getting a reputation for being untrustworthy or as a bad friend. Soon, your personal relationships will suffer and whither away.

Respect other people. Treat them respect — even if they aren’t there.

Others will notice this and feel better about being around you.

The less you engage in gossip, the better a personal world you’re going to experience.

The Golden Rule

When you come right down to it, a lot of this books down to the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Or words to that effect.

This isn’t about organizing a national environmental awareness campaign or getting involved in any movements.

This is simple, one-on-one advice to make your personal world a better place.

Why?

Because it builds. You and those around you experience more kindness and respect. They, in turn, affect even more people around them. And so on, and so on.

If we keep this up… just imagine the whole wide world we’d live in.

Cheers!

About John Teehan

John lives in Rhode Island with his wife, son, and dog. He specializes in tech, health, business, parenting, pop culture, and gaming. Visit wordsbyjohn.net for more info and rates. Twitter: @WordsByJohn2