First posted 10/2011
I've been inspired by the reaction of the "Occupy Wall Street," movement. I love seeing my peers take action. Though, as many have criticized, there is a lack of focus. In my opinion this is good and bad. For the beginning stage of what is hopefully the revolution of our time, it's ok to be unfocused. Soon though, we must find focus. We must cultivate inspiration, drive, and action, individually, to give to the overall goal. Change for our country's well being. Change for the people.
How do we do this? Ask yourself what you want. Maybe even write it down. Do you want to reverse global warming? Do you want to see cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and other major health problems disintegrate? Do you want to see more money in your local economy? Do you want Corporate America to stop controlling our lives? I want all of these things.
The answer lies, not in a miraculous leader, but ourselves, united. An easy start, is switching to a local credit union. If you don't like what big banks are doing to you, stop funding them. Buy local, this may be more expensive, but if local businesses are making more money, they will start hiring. Also, this reduces your carbon footprint. Buy whole foods. Processed foods come from large companies that want to make money, not a well nourished nation. Also, their carbon footprint along with their consumer's, is astronomical. The longer we buy into the marketing of corporate food companies, the sicker, weaker, and more compliant we'll become.
There is a sense of priority that we as a people must evaluate. Are we willing to give up the luxuries of these companies, so we can see the corporate empire fall? Could we, as a nation, cancel our cell phone plans? Could we all bike or take public transportation, leaving oil companies with the smallest sales they've ever seen? Could we buy only second hand, or fair-trade clothing? Can you imagine the voice in that silence? It would be difficult, but I think we'd survive. In the process of giving up things of the corporate world, I think we'll find freedom in our local community.
As a nutritional therapist and massage therapist, people are always trying to get a deal from me. When you don't wince at your phone bill, which is double the price of your neighbor's trade, but you want them to cut a deal, what does that say about your economical interests? We must change our attitudes. Buy the jewelry that your friend makes, pay full price for a massage from someone you know, opt for the ten dollar play or concert in the local theater rather than fandango. There are so many ways to keep your money local. So many ways to change the world with your dollar. What are you doing? What else can you change? Will you do it today? Occupy yourself. Or, as Dr. Suess said it in Horton Hears a Who, 'This," cried the Mayor, "is your town's darkest hour! The time for all Whos who have blood that is red to come to the aid of their country" he said. "We've GOT to make noises in greater amounts! So open your mouth, lad! For every voice counts!" Thanks for reading, make good choices. :)
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