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Spiritual: August 09, 2017 Issue [#8435]

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Spiritual


 This week: You Have The Power To Change The World
  Edited by: Kitti the Red-Nosed Feline Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

It's easy to despair when observing the world around us. It's easy to feel small, and helpless in the face of it all. But change is only impossible when people fail to work towards it...

This week's Spiritual Newsletter, then, is all about taking action, one small step at a time.

Kitti the Red-Nosed Feline Author Icon


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

Have you ever pondered the state of the world, and felt frustrated? Have you wished you could do something to make a positive difference, and felt sad because you know that you’re just one person, so how could you possibly effect any real change? If so, I have been there, frequently. It is frustrating because I can see what life would be like if we all lived in peace and harmony, with nature flourishing around us. It would be a happier existence. One that would benefit all of us.

I don’t know what it’s like in your country, but here in the UK more and more people are suffering from mental health problems. Amongst those are young children. It is tragic that so many of us are struggling, each day a fresh challenge to get through. Whilst the causes of mental health problems are varied and complex, it wouldn’t surprise me if at least some of it is down to the way that society functions. We are faced by constant pressures to be a certain way, act a certain way, look a certain way, achieve certain things and keep on achieving, keep climbing up the ladder, all the while trying to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. We are bombarded by messages that no matter what we do, we will never ever be good enough. But we can make things slightly better if we purchase this product.

Meanwhile, the air around us is polluted, a lot of food contains additives that aren’t easy to figure out and anyway, one day we’re told that this is bad for us, the next it’s good for us, then it’s bad again, so who even knows?

We’re more connected than we used to be, which means we see all the crises and the violence and the corruption that affects people around the globe. It’s scary and if you expose yourself to too much of it it can bring you down. But if you try to ignore it, retreat from it, you still know in the back of your mind that it’s going on and will continue to go on.

And whilst we’re connected, we’re also disconnected. Go outside and you’ll see people walking around and sat on public transport with their phone in their hands. Go to restaurants, or places of entertainment, and the phones are out. Concerts are experienced through phones. The phones create our safe bubbles, separated from the others around us and for some it’s as though whatever they do is not valid, not real unless it’s recorded and logged and shared on social media.

“Okay,” you might think. “Let’s say this is true... how, exactly, do I have the power to change the world? You’re going to tell me some stuff about smiling at strangers, aren’t you? Which isn’t really changing the world at all.”

Smiling at people is a nice thing to do. It can change the world in a tiny way – it might cheer someone up, which is a change, and they might be kinder to the next person they meet, and so on. Kind acts cause a ripple, just like bad acts do.

I’m thinking beyond that, though. For example – in most nations there are elected representatives who are meant to serve the people of their area. They are available, but many people don’t use them. Maybe because they don’t think to do so, or maybe because it feels futile. If you are one of them, whatever is holding you back, don’t feel afraid to contact them with your concerns.

Tip – If you do feel concerned about something and you want to express this to your elected representative, don’t phrase it as “I am concerned about X and I feel that something should be done about it.” Something can mean a whole lot of things, and you might not like the chosen solution. It’s better to be specific.

The same goes for if there is a vote on a bill coming up and you are concerned about the outcome, one way or the other. Representatives ought to take people’s views into consideration, but they cannot do so if nobody lets them know their views. So, inform them, and encourage others to inform them. The more people who let their voices be heard, the more difficult they are to ignore.

Most of us do have social connections that we can use if we wish to affect change. Be it our families and friends, our religious communities, and so on. It’s easy to despair and feel small, but sometimes it takes just one person to start a change for the better, and others will feel inspired and will follow.

You have a platform here on this website, too. You can blog, or share your thoughts in a static item, or set up a forum. I’ve written a variety of items about things that concern me, from poems to blog entries. They do get read and sometimes I receive interesting and encouraging feedback.

It’s always good to be respectful when we do these things. Wanting to change the world shouldn’t be done through the demonization of others. We’re too divided and we’ll never get anywhere until we move past that and see the value in working together.

It’s easy to complain when it feels as though our souls are being crushed... and to then not do anything about it. I am as guilty of that as anyone. But one small step at a time – one act of kindness, and yes, one smile, but also one letter, one attempt at raising awareness – we can make a difference.

Change is only impossible when we cannot be bothered to work towards it.

Kitti the Red-Nosed Feline Author Icon



Editor's Picks

Some contests that might inspire you:

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Zodiac Contest/CONTEST CLOSED Open in new Window. (18+)
Create a character using personality traits from a Zodiac sign.
#2115893 by 🐕GeminiGem🎁 Author IconMail Icon


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Spirits at Lighthouses Challenge Open in new Window. (13+)
Do you have what it takes to write a poem?
#2128856 by Beacon's Anchor Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2128149 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2127248 by Not Available.


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Write from the Heart Poetry Contest Open in new Window. (E)
Write a heartfelt piece based on the prompt provided.
#2093224 by Purple Holiday Givings Author IconMail Icon


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Write From the Heart - Story Contest Open in new Window. (E)
Write a story that pulls on the heartstrings based on the given prompt.
#2121278 by Purple Holiday Givings Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2085951 by Not Available.


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Newbies ONLY Short Story & Poem Contest Open in new Window. (13+)
Opening in January for entries!
#1873271 by ~ Santa Sisco ~ Author IconMail Icon


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#2085863 by Not Available.


And don't forget:

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SURVEY
Short Shots: Official WDC Contest Open in new Window. (ASR)
Use the photo to inspire your creativity. Write a short story and win big prizes!
#1221635 by Writing.Com Support Author IconMail Icon


 
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Word from Writing.Com

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Ask & Answer

The Spiritual Newsletter Team welcomes any and all questions, suggestions, thoughts and feedback, so please don't hesitate to write in! *Smile*

Wishing you a week filled with inspiration,

The Spiritual Newsletter Team




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