5 ways to improve the world even from the comforts of your home - DailyJag
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5 ways to improve the world even from the comforts of your home

Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country

John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address

When John F. Kennedy pronounced the above statement to rekindle the feeling of patriotism inside the people of USA, he not only uttered an eloquent thought but shared a belief which still resonates inside the hearts of the people. The belief that anything we have in life we owe it to our motherland and what matters is what we can do for it. But…

Whenever this topic of doing something for the world arises, a lot of us come up with an excuse: How can I change the world? I’m an ordinary person who is insignificant in front of the whole world. But are we that insignificant? Mr. Paul Shane Spear would disagree with you.

“As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person.”

Paul Shane Spear

That’s how it starts, with one person. You can improve the life of one person, one group, one community at a time, and its effect would amplify with time.

It’s not just the big things that are done by the few (big charities or fundraisers by celebrities and businessman) that improve the world, but also the small things that are done by many on a regular basis. And hence, we have come up with 5 things that all can do without any delay. (Yes, you don’t have to wait to become a big person to do them. You can start now.)

1. Volunteering for a Cause

Is there a cause that’s very dear to your heart? Don’t wait and start contributing to it. Use your skill-set, be it writing, marketing, sales or just with your hands. Volunteering not only helps the cause and the community as a whole. It exposes you to different situations, and experiences which improve you as a person too.

2. Build an ARK

No, I’m not forecasting a flood or considering you to do a NOAH. By ARK I meant, Acts of Random Kindness. Build a habit of performing ARK and without even noticing, you would change the life of a lot of people.

If you are still confused what an ARK is, here are some examples:

  • Leaving a tip
  • Greeting strangers with a smile
  • Giving your seat to the one in need
  • Helping someone cross the road
  • Appreciating the people who are providing you service of any kind
  • Donating the extra-food

and so on. You can perform an ARK almost everywhere.

3. Don’t support evil companies and see what you buy

Whatever you purchase and who you buy things from, has an effect on the world. Let it be a branded T-shirt or the subscription of your favorite hair products. How?

Our purchases increase the business of the respective industries and hence, the practices they employ. Do you know your favorite fast-fashion chain might be exploiting their workers in developing countries or your favorite hair-product line might be testing their products on animals? The business is all about demand and supply. And if we start to mind our purchases, which are consistent with our values, we would do our bit to improve the world.

4. Clean that shelf

Last week, while I was cleaning my closet, I found 5 t-shirts that I don’t wear and some comics that I read in my childhood. Not only they were taking an extra space on my shelf but also, I didn’t need them. They served their service to me and felt now they should belong to someone else. And hence, I gave them to the neighbourhood kid. You should have seen the smile on his face on finding those comics. It made me nostalgic.

Clean your shelf too. It would do everyone a favor.

5. Charity begins at home

This is the most important of all. To improve the world, improve yourself. Have a better perspective. A better diet. Better goals, and whatever can improve the quality of your life.

It’s important because an empty vessel can never fill any glass. And it’s natural that when you live your life with mental peace and satisfaction, you will radiate that positivity to others as well.

And do you know what’s the best part about these ways?

You can start all with the comforts of your home/office. So, don’t let the thoughts about why you have to wait, stop you. All you need is a grateful heart and compassion towards others to take these steps and improve the world.

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