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Light in a Dark Time

Inspiring others through your own actions

By Gary HaugerPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
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Light in a Dark Time
Photo by Mike Labrum on Unsplash

Everyday we are surrounded by the grim realities of the world. In 2020 in particular we are confronting a global pandemic that has claimed, at the time of this writing, over 1 million lives with no end in sight. Throughout the world people are continually profiled, disrespected, oppressed, injured or killed simply for the color of their skin or their chosen religion. The possibility of Civil Discourse is an absurdity. Common courtesy is not only uncommon, but a foreign concept all together among our political leaders.

But that is not all there is. It is not all darkness despite what the media says. There are people that volunteer at food pantries and homeless shelters. Doctors, Nurses and First Responders put their lives on the line to be there for those in need. Neighbors who are now home because they are out of work or working from home due to the pandemic are interacting with their neighbors(in a socially distant way) more than before. Families are checking in on their senior relatives more than ever. People are improving their living spaces, learning new skills and sharing what they have done on-line and in small groups. Families are spending more time together and parents are learning a new respect for their children's teachers and other care givers.

Animals are returning in areas that previously had been so polluted they could not tolerate being there. Greenhouse gas emissions are down because people are stuck at home and not driving. Many people are turning to art as a way to express their emotions and as a coping mechanism for the darker thoughts that enter their minds. Any creation of art is an enlightening of the soul that creates it as well as those that appreciate it.

This is not enough. It is up to each and every one of us to find a way to spread a little more light. Smile behind your mask because even though it may not be seen, your whole vibe changes. That can be felt regardless of your mask. The Boy Scouts of America (Scouts BSA now) have a slogan - "Do a Good Turn Daily". As an Eagle Scout, this resonates with me. Do something nice for a neighbor or a relative or a stranger. Pay a compliment to someone.

DO SOMETHING THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE EVERY DAY!

In this space I have made on vocal I intend to share ideas and thoughts that will accomplish what I consider my goals for this lifetime. They come down to the Three Es.

ENLIGHTEN

ENCOURAGE

ENTERTAIN

It took me until I was 45 years old to realize what my purpose in life is. It is to accomplish one, if not more, of these Three Es in all of my relationships. Sometimes it is easy. I share an amusing anecdote and we share a laugh. Check! Other times it is helping someone work through a difficult personal problem or to make a decision that they are struggling with. It has also been to have a spirited debate with someone to broaden their perception of the world around them or to give a new concept a chance.

I have worked with hundreds of people in a professional capacity as a manager, trainer or mentor and in every case I gain as much as I share. The moment that a person takes something you share and does something exceptional especially if it is unconventional or unexpected is inspiring.

Hopefully, this space will help me to Enlighten, Encourage or Entertain some of you that read my words. If so, please share your experience with others. You don't need to give me credit for your new understanding or the new joke that got a big laugh at the watercooler. Just keep it going. Light a new candle from the one I offer you here and make the world just a little bit brighter.

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