This morning I came across something I wrote on 4th January 2020. It was during the horrific bushfires that burned Australia in the summer of 2019 and 2020. It was before the COVID19 pandemic shut the world down, before the conflicts started in Ukraine and Gaza, before the craziness of the recent election cycles around the world.
And yet, the message is as pertinent now – even more so – as it was five years ago. I’ve taken the liberty to expand the original writing with examples current at 2025, but the essence is the same.
There is an energy in the air at the moment. Fear, uneasiness, concern for our future. The result of the bushfires, climate change, lack of leadership and global politics.
I know in my circles, the conversation often leads to:
- What can I do?
- How can I help?
It can seem overwhelming.
In one such conversation, a friend said, “I feel like I should be doing more.”
Another friend sagely replied, “I guess you will have to ask yourself what doing more means.”
What a powerful thing to ask: “What does ‘doing more’ mean to me?”
I invite you to take some time now to contemplate those words – “What does ‘doing more’ look like for me?”
Once you have uncovered what ‘doing more’ looks like, dig deeper by asking yourself why.
Reflect if your ideas feel aligned and if the ‘why’ connects the inspired action to your values.
(And as a word of caution, be careful if the word “should” shows up – you can read more about that here.)
For example, let's look at climate change:
When I ask myself what ‘doing more’ to address climate change could look like, the first thing that comes to mind is reducing food waste. I could ensure all of the family’s cooked food waste goes into the bokashi bin outside, even though it’s easier to throw it in the kitchen general waste bin.
Why? Because I have the knowledge that every bit of organic waste that goes to landfill emits methane when breaking down, and greenhouse gases contribute to climate change.
How does that connect to my values? I value the health of the environment. I know I am at one with nature. When I hurt nature, I am hurting myself.
Or another example, feeling united in community:
In a world full of division, especially online, I felt it was important to ensure I was being part of face-to-face communities. Especially joining groups that force me to be out of my comfort zone and surrounded by people who I wouldn’t ordinarily spend time with otherwise. That was my ‘doing more’.
Why? I understood that if I only do things I’m comfortable doing, with people who look, think and act like me, I’m not learning or growing.
How does that connect to my values? I value knowing that I’m connected with all the people of this world. That no matter what we look like, what our backgrounds are, what our political preferences are, that we are all brothers and sisters.
So what did I do? I joined a weekly Laughter Yoga club in my local community that attracts people who I normally wouldn’t have reason to spend time with. After the session finishes we go for a cup of tea and share stories and learn about each other’s lives.
I also joined a couple of community singing groups, which reminds me of the power of singing in a collective (and it’s fun!)
From overwhelm to action, you start making a difference
By asking yourself those two questions – “What does doing more mean to me?” and “Why?” – the overwhelm can dissipate and turn into form.
You have a way forward. Clear steps of action.
We are in the midst of a shift. We can no longer ignore what’s happening around us. We are being called.
Asking these questions can lead to understanding and action.
✨ You make a difference ✨
And what if collectively, we all start making a difference? What does that world look like?
Seismic change – of the likes that our planet needs – starts with you. It starts with me.
✨Together, we can make a difference!✨
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Connection Compass acknowledges the Turrbal and Jagara people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work, live, and gather. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and draw inspiration from their connection to Country, community and spirit.
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