What do you do when the problem is too big? When the burden seems too heavy? And you’re asking yourself how you can possibly change the world when you’re just one person?
You rethink the question.
I could win a gold medal for the most bad dreams. Last night, I dreamt that I found 12 boys lost at a park – 12 young, sweater-hooded boys marked as “abused.” In the horrifying end, all my efforts to rescue them sent them back to the same park I found them at. Still lost, still abused.
Powerless is a bad feeling
Stressed before I was even out of bed, I woke up earlier than my 5:45 am alarm, zombied over to my workout clothes, socks to my feet, shoes to my socks, keys to my hands, car to the gym.
I was mentally absent from my 6 am fitness class. U-Jam Hip Hop Dance seemed irrelevant in a reality where thousands of young people are actually struggling, lost at some metaphorical park.
Ironically, as I was pop-locking and hip-hopping, I was simultaneously sorting out the mess of the dream in my head. Why are there so many innocent people hurting? Why do millions of people get abused?
What can I do about the pain caused by pornography and abuse?
While I’m on this topic, WHY is there a billion-dollar, ever-growing industry of pornography?! I can’t fix that! (And why am I in this dance class, tripping over my two left feet?!)
Think back to Steve Jobs, who famously said, “People who are crazy enough to think they can change the whole world are the ones who do.” So we have this expectation that one talented person can change the world, if they’re just smart enough, bold enough, or determined enough.
I can’t even manage to clean out my car. What makes me think I can do anything to solve such enormous societal problems?
What can I do when the problem is too big, when the burden seems too heavy??
Reach 10 is a safe place to talk about hard issues
Hours later, I stepped into the Reach 10 team meeting. I took a deep breath. I bit into some fresh summer strawberries (thanks for the treats, Vauna). I scanned the room and saw people my age unified by the belief that “Shame Hurts, Love Heals.” In a safe space, we talked openly about pornography, and what we can do to help those within our reach.
So what do you do when the problem is too big, when the burden seems too heavy?
You rethink the question.
A better question for solving big social problems facing young adults today
Maybe “How can I change the world by myself?” is the wrong question.
Think back to a conversation that left you feeling uplifted. Now, rethink the question. Maybe ask, “What can I do to guide at least one person towards healing or self love? What if I can reach 10 people with a message of hope and connection?”
Think back to the last time you felt energy and empowerment. For me, it was at Reach 10 today. So maybe ask, “Where can I go, who can I team up with, so I don’t have to tackle these problems alone?”
The burden isn’t yours to carry alone. That’s why there’s 7 billion other people sharing the world with you. So join a team, take a leap of faith. Reach out to one person. Or Reach 10.
