Look what they’ve done to our world

I will be celebrating a milestone birthday in a few weeks. As I ponder what I’ve done and all I’ve accomplished in my time so far on earth, I also wonder what the future might look like for those who are just beginning their journey. And I wonder how we all might help the future be a better place for all those folks. So here are a few tips and ideas that I have about doing better now, for our future.

Many years ago I heard the axiom, “The best time to plant a tree is 220 years ago. The second best time is today.” While the phrase has been attributed to Confucius, it could be said by just about anyone who cares about the earth and all the creatures that live here. We need to start now, today, to be sure our world and, by extension ourselves, becomes and stays as healthy as possible. Go out and plant a tree. It matters.

These days kindness seems to be a rare commodity. With all the anonymity of social media, some people seem to think it’s their right to be mean and rude in their comments on just about any issue, leading to rudeness and unkind words being written by others in response to the original comment. And to what end? I suggest that everyone – and I mean everyone – can benefit and make the world a better place today and tomorrow by simply being kind. Be the bigger person. Look to the future by living what I believe is probably the best advice of all times (and I’m paraphrasing here): Treat others the way you want to be treated. Period.

Be respectful in word and manner. It matters.

Technology. Aahh, technology. I have a love-hate relationship with this: I love the instant access to information and news, but I hate (maybe hate is a bit strong – how about “really don’t like” instead) that same instantaneous connection to some of the issues of the world. In the future (near future and distant future!), I think that mankind will learn – must learn - to be more purposeful in our use of this immediate access to the world. Let’s learn to disconnect from technology more often and simply be in the moment.

Spend time with others. Perfect that new hobby you just picked up. Technology is extremely valuable – in the right time and under the right circumstances. Be vigilant in its use. It matters.

Probably, in my mind, the most important way to improve the future is to encourage the young people in our lives. Encourage them to look to the future, as well, and to use technology responsibly. Encourage them to talk to others. Encourage them to love well and wisely. Encourage them to continue to learn, each and every day. Wise use of our words can go far to ensure that the future is in good hands. It matters.

These are fairly idealistic thoughts: easy to imagine, sometimes much harder to put into action. But action needs to be taken, doesn’t it? By simply waiting for life to get better, life speeds right on by us. We all must do something. Because our little actions can all add up to become bigger actions. Share knowledge. Love boldly. Dare to wish for a better future.

Dare to expect a better future because the future is today as well as the far distant pace of time. Life. It’s all that matters.