Equal

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from my parents is also very simple: all people are equal. No matter a person’s appearance or wealth, each of us matters the same. We are all human and all equal. The sooner everyone buys into that idea, the better our world will be.

Gather for Music

One of the most basic human activities is to gather with the tribe and listen to music. We’ve been doing it for thousands of years up to now. To celebrate my sister’s birthday, I’m happy to do it today. Let’s turn the music up and have fun. I love you Megan.

Seeing Confusion

It’s such a confused world we live in, in a way. We are so far removed from our biology, and our relationship with life forms, and the physics of the universe. In some ways it’s a testament to the success of our species, depending on measurement. But I think it’s easily rediscover-able. We can develop a sense for our connection to the universe, this soup of which we’re apart of. We can, change the world.

Same but Different

I sometimes wonder where we go next. Because it’s an ambiguous uncertain future, as it has been for the entirety of our species’ history. We’re simply more aware of it now collectively.

But then I realize it’s never been clear where to go next. It’s never been easy, for anyone. People assessed and did what they thought was best. Dozens of leaders, thousands of people tried their damnest to improve their own lives, and those of their tribe. It’s how it will always be. Always the same and yet always different. What will we do?

H&H for All

We can make the world better than it is today, for our children and all those who come after us. It’s a sacred responsibility of every generation. We just can’t lose hope if we feel the current trajectory is not positive. We can change it. We can do anything if we develop a global consciousness to guide our technology. We can do anything if we unite humanity toward a common purpose: health and happiness for all. We can do anything if we inspire change. We can change the world.

People World

It’s an interesting thing to meet and greet. We learn so much from each other, and I’m not sure how much we all appreciate it. It is a big beautiful amazing world, and we’re all apart of it.

Changing it all

The world offers incredible diversity, breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and inspiring perspectives. Our relationships bring joy, companionship, and a sense of belonging. Ultimately, each of us can make a positive impact, contributing to a brighter, more compassionate, and fulfilling world for all. We can change the world.

Funny World

The world is a funny thing. We can see it from many different perspectives, literal and figurative both. I enjoy the chaos of it all. We can want to improve it for everyone, but at the same time… we have to embrace the world we’ve got right now. The balance of how to distinguish those differences… that’s called life.

City Character

My own personal bias aside, there’s something ethereal about San Francisco. It’s kind of a surreal haphazardly produced imitation of a city, because there’s not really anything like it. The estranged keep the sense of urgency on every corner, and the diversity of food options keep you hungry. San Francisco has character, and it’s worth experiencing.

Transform the World through Action

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

— Margaret Mead

In the midst of today's circumstances, it's easy to succumb to frustration and hopelessness regarding the state of our world. I've come to realize that many share these sentiments, accompanied by a common misconception: taking action is too daunting, too risky, or too ineffective.

I challenge this misconception. It’s possible to demonstrate why action is the key to forging a better world.

What Constitutes Action and Why Is It Significant?

Action refers to any form of behavior that aims to accomplish a goal or instigate change. It can manifest on an individual or collective level, spanning the spectrum from small-scale to grand, and can occur both online and offline. Voting, protesting, volunteering, donating, and speaking up are all action. Action holds immense importance because it is the sole means of effecting change. Without action, nothing transpires. Without action, problems persist, injustices prevail, and opportunities slip away. Without action, we passively witness our own fate.

Yet, through action, we can shape our destiny. Through action, we can resolve problems, combat injustices, and seize opportunities. Through action, we inspire others, influence policies, and transform societies. Through action, we can change the world.

History offers countless examples action revolutionizing our world. The civil rights movement, the environmental movement, the women’s’ rights movement, and a plethora of others…each of these was propelled by individuals who took action on their beliefs, and they made a difference.

What Hinders Us From Taking Action?

If action results in change, why do we not engage in it more frequently? The answer is simple: it's not easy. Taking action demands courage, commitment, and effort. It entails risks, challenges, and uncertainties. Many different factors can impede us from taking action:

• Fear: we may fear failure, rejection, criticism, or conflict. Concerns about the consequences of our actions or the reactions of others are naturally engrained in us biologically

• Doubt: we may doubt ourselves, our abilities, our ideas, or our impact. We may question whether we possess the adequacy, intelligence, or qualifications necessary to take action

• Apathy: we may not care enough about a given issue or its outcome. We might believe it has no personal bearing or consider it unworthy of our time and energy

• Ignorance: we may lack true comprehensive knowledge about the issue or potential solutions. We may not have the information, skills, or resources required to take effective action

• Comfort: our existing circumstances may provide a safety net of comfort, or we may be overly attached to our habits and routines. We may resist change and shy away from challenge

While these factors are understandable and perhaps even prevalent, they are not insurmountable. Every one of us can overcome all of them, if we believe and see the value of true change.

Overcome Barriers and Initiate Action

The good news: we can overcome these barriers and act today. One can find their passion by identifying an issue that resonates with them on a personal and emotional level. There’s something happening in the world that can spark every person’s interest, curiosity, or anger. We can find our motivation, reminding ourselves why we want to take action and what we want to achieve. We can consider the benefits of taking action and the costs of remaining inert. Our actions make a difference for ourselves and others.

Perhaps one of the biggest pieces is information. We have to educate ourselves about a given issue and its potential solutions. This means conducting thorough research and finding reputable sources of data. If we seek out diverse perspectives and opinions while maintaining a requirement for evidence, we can learn the context and circumstances around any issue and seek to solve it with integrity.

Finally, it’s necessary to find resources and allies that can help. There are a myriad of tools and platforms that enable action. Leveraging social media to raise awareness, mobilizing support through online communities, and starting online petitions to demand change from decision-makers—these are all accessible to the average citizen. And there are like-minded individuals who share the same passions and motivations—we just have to connect with them. Various groups and organizations working on every imaginable issue are out there.

Action Transforms the World

Action transforms the world because it transforms us. It reshapes our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It redefines our relationships with others and our ability to influence them. It reconfigures our environment and our responses to it. Each of us possesses the power to change the world today. We can’t wait for others to act on our behalf or for someone to grant us permission to take action. We simply need to start, to act. So begin by contacting your local representative and articulating the issue you care about, along with the solution you wish them to support. Sign a petition demanding increased funding for renewable energy research. Join a group organizing monthly clean-ups in your neighborhood. Take one small step today that will enable greater strides tomorrow. We have the capacity to achieve it. We have the ability to change the world.

Political Action Citizenship

The moment is now to reject our cynicism globally. Despite the corruption of power and greed around the world, the opportunity to course correct as a species is still possible. We have achieved democracy in various parts of the world, and must secure more political representation of common people in many others. We can do this through action, by demanding change from our leaders. In the U.S. we can do it by voting and contacting our congressional representatives at the state and federal level. We can be the change we wish to see in the world. But it takes action.

Tribes Today

I write about “the tribe” often. But I’m not sure how many people experience it. Today’s world is so different from our biological past. And yet, in this modern world, we still need a tribe. Maybe that’s the restart for us as we progress forward?

Exploring AI

I earnestly began my exploration with artificial intelligence today and it was a doozy. There’s certainty excitement around what’s possible with all this new tooling. But I’m also scared about the implications to our society at scale. It’s rapidly becoming a new world. Will we be able to adapt and keep up?

Maternal Gratitude

Hallmark holiday or not, today celebrates the most important people in the world. Mothers propagate our species; without them, we wouldn’t exist and we wouldn’t learn. I cannot truly understand the ethereal miracle of motherhood, but my soul yearns with love for the phenomena mothers emanate in this universe.

Thank you Grandma for illuminating the big picture of life through your stories. Thank you Granny for demonstrating the power and reward of kindness every day of your life. Thank you Mom for supporting me and giving all of yourself to my well-being and happiness. I would not be the person I am today without you. I am eternally grateful for your sacrifices and your love. You make a difference in the world. Happy Mother’s Day.

Hope Coming

It just feels like we’re reaching an inflection point as a planet doesn’t it? Perhaps it’s the media narrative, or the current cycle—if such things exist. Or maybe we all feel it, the approach of a culmination.

I believe most people are good, that we are more similar than we are different, and that at the deepest level we all want the same things. Can we invoke hope in each other? Because together, we can change the world.

Unexplainable Reality

There’s so much that’s unexplainable in our world. At least to us mere humans. How often do we stop to think about that, to wonder about it? If we zoom out far enough, there’s no other world but “miracle” that describes this universe, this reality. Can we step back and see it?

Livin’ Well

Today I watched the full version of a commencement speech I first came across years ago. The central message is to routinely ask yourself, “how you livin’?” I thought about it more throughout the day, and I think the correct answer to that question, at the end of the day while brushing your teeth before bedtime, is simply: “I am living well.” And if each of us can give that response honestly to ourselves, knowing it truly in our hearts, what kind of world would unfold before us?

Consume Less

I realized today during my lunch walk that I was talking to myself out loud. It occurred to me that it felt like a long time since I had talked to myself audibly. I find it healthy to do so, and I was slightly appalled that it had been so long.

What was different? I didn’t have headphones in— I wasn’t listening to music or a podcast. I was alone with my own thoughts as I did my two miles. There was nothing but the sounds of city and nature to accompany, as about 15 minutes in my mind settled. We find a rhythm when experiencing that right level of bliss.

When I returned to my office I decided upon my focus for the midterm: consume less. Two simple words, and a seemingly easy concept. Consume less food. Consume less information; spend less time on screens. Consume less alcohol and caffeine. Reduce the noise, that I’m actively bringing into my life, so I can hone in on the signal. Eliminate the distractions so I can focus on what matters: love, health, and time. Consume less.

Old Movies

I enjoy watching old movies. There’s something timeless about them, even if the entire cast is no longer on the Earth. They illuminate the similarities between cultures and across generations. People in the 1940’s faced some similar problems as we do now in 2023. The struggle is always there, always required. But we can make progress together, and we have. It will take all of each of us.

Choice to Change

Sometimes there’s fight required to maintain positivity or hope. It’s not always easy to ward off the negativity or despair. However, we always have a choice. We can choose to give in, or to make our own way in our terms. Every single human being has that power of choice. Can we collectively harness it towards a better world? Can we say “no” to negativity and choose to change the world?