Look for solutions, not problems.
When I was a junior in high school, my history teacher had us interview people who had been alive in different decades. For example, I interviewed my Grandma Rawlins about the 30s and the Great Depression. My history class was 3rd period (I remember weird things) and I had drama 2nd period. Apparently, I hadn't done my homework. (Big surprise.) So, I took a few minutes during drama to interview my teacher about the 60s. I remember this conversation with Mrs. Adams as she reminisced about the hippie movement. I think she could see by my personal style and the friends I had that it was a movement that interested me (at least for the fashion and music). It was like she wanted to warn me about it. She used my name. (People rarely use names during a conversation. It stands out.) She said, "Megan, the thing you have to understand about these people is that they knew all the problems, but they offered no solutions."
How intriguing that is to me. I've thought about that often. I love to study social issues and politics. I try to separate the things I am reading to identify who is listing problems (i.e. complaining) and who is offering solutions. It's an interesting exercise.
It is easy to identify what is wrong in our families, communities, schools, and country. It is more difficult to offer real, plausible solutions. Those among us who are offering solutions are the ones that deserve my attention and, where applicable, my vote.
Looking for a solution is a productive use of my energy.
No comments:
Post a Comment