Wake Up Call

Have you ever watched the news and just asked yourself what it is that is wrong with this world? Or why people treat the planet and one another the way they do? Because I certainly have. It makes me feel down and depressed. Sort of hopeless, as if this world is doomed and there’s no point in trying to implement change. But if we all succumb to the sadness that tragic events bring and the frustration we feel when we witness the horrible situations that take place, nothing can ever get better. It’s our job to make a change. Though it may seem cliche, that’s not a motto to be taken lightly.

A big issue in today’s society is that people are commonly so wrapped up in themselves and their own lives that they forget to pay attention to others. They neglect to focus on their partner, their kids, their coworkers, their families, their companions and closest friends. And when they forget to pay attention, things can take a turn for the worst. I know life gets insane sometimes and that balance can be tough, and of course we all need time to focus on ourselves and rejuvenate. However, we as a society need to be better at also taking the time to study and take care of one another. Obviously it isn’t in our nature as human beings to always be completely selfless and that’s okay. That is not an excuse, though, to blow off and ignore what is happening around you.

Family value is a hard thing to maintain due to busy schedules and the natural way of the world. The one solution I can think of is having more accountability. Take responsibility for your loved ones and the people you come in contact with. Do not show your children, or anybody who looks up to you, hateful actions and angry words. Do not ignore the sadness and drastic attitude changes you notice in a person who may be depressed or bullied. Do not disregard warning signs that someone may be harming themselves or planning to harm others. It is not productive to turn the other cheek or to claim that it’s “none of your business.”

In a family unit, it is so important to make certain that the growth and development of the young children in the family is being paid the closest attention. Kids pick up on everything, and they often grow up to be the kind of adult they were surrounded by. So make sure you are being conscious of your behavior, and ask yourself whether you are being a kind of person that there should be more of! If these kids grow up to be just like you, will the world be in trouble? Will it be better off? And be honest with yourself. Talk to your family and friends. Take notice of their actions and their words, and if something is clearly abnormal, do something about it.

The world lately seems as if it’s off its axis. And so much of the tragedy in this world is due to the way people are raised. It starts in the home. We have to fight back. We need to take more time out of our schedules to spend time with our children and our families and make sure all is in tact. Instill the kind of morals in your child that you know will make them a more stable human being. We have to open our minds, stop pointing fingers, and take accountability for ourselves. Ask yourself how you can be a better sibling, child, partner, employee, friend, parent, citizen. Take a good long look in the mirror and break yourself down piece by piece. If you’re honest about what you need to improve upon, you’re one step closer to making yourself better. And then, you’re one step closer to making the world better. Safer. More kind.

So rather than simply shaking your head at the nonsense that occurs daily, step in and try to fix it. In the public or just in your own home. Take notice of those who surround you, and do what you can to help those who need it. If it’s you who needs the help, ask for it. It is going to take a lot of self-evaluation and brutal honesty, but we are a strong species, and we can be the change we would like to see. We just have to stop saying “I wish” and start taking action. That way, everyone can be more aware and more productive, and the world can become even a tad bit more enjoyable to live in.