Lend a Hand
So you're pretty bummed about the state of things as they are, and why not, things are not good. But consider the fact that you are not alone. While this seems to be obvious, how much time have you put towards that thinking?
When I was in Boston in 1996 or 1997, I spent my Spring Break trying to enjoy myself, learn about a new city and do something civically good. I was younger then, so my civic mindfulness was pretty low. But still, on my last day, for jollies, I took a dozen roses and handed them out one by one. Everyone who received on was started, some with a, "What do you want from me..." look. But one woman stood out for me.
"You don't know how I needed this!" She gushed. She looked flustered and bothered and elated all at the same time. Keep in mind I was a young, self-absorbed collegiate at the time, but if I were in that same circumstance today, I would sit down and probably offer her the rest with the advice to hand some out herself. It felt good to be able to do something so freeing, something for nothing. I expected nothing from people. How many people wish for something back? A lot.
So my advice is this. Buy some cheap flowers. Give them out. Watch people's faces. If someone looks like they need to talk, sit down and listen. You will have gotten something from them alright. Not money, but the common human touch. People want to know they've been heard. Even if its not by the right people. So go ahead and give. You'll be glad you did.
When I was in Boston in 1996 or 1997, I spent my Spring Break trying to enjoy myself, learn about a new city and do something civically good. I was younger then, so my civic mindfulness was pretty low. But still, on my last day, for jollies, I took a dozen roses and handed them out one by one. Everyone who received on was started, some with a, "What do you want from me..." look. But one woman stood out for me.
"You don't know how I needed this!" She gushed. She looked flustered and bothered and elated all at the same time. Keep in mind I was a young, self-absorbed collegiate at the time, but if I were in that same circumstance today, I would sit down and probably offer her the rest with the advice to hand some out herself. It felt good to be able to do something so freeing, something for nothing. I expected nothing from people. How many people wish for something back? A lot.
So my advice is this. Buy some cheap flowers. Give them out. Watch people's faces. If someone looks like they need to talk, sit down and listen. You will have gotten something from them alright. Not money, but the common human touch. People want to know they've been heard. Even if its not by the right people. So go ahead and give. You'll be glad you did.