What Can You Do?

Again and again we are faced with tragic events. The reality is that tragedy and violence occur daily in every city and town across the planet, but in times when the media coverage is thick and takes up the majority of time and space on our radios, TV’s, and IG feeds, we are forced to reflect on the implications for society and for ourselves as individuals; thinking about our values, behaviors, and choices is brought to the foreground. 

I began in the fitness industry with the goal of spreading the philosophy that health is so much more than physical fitness and nutrition. Reflecting on the goings-on in my greater American community is a continuous thread throughout my life, especially recently, and I am honored to have a platform to share my thoughts and experiences with such wonderful readers like you. Thanks for reading my thoughts; please feel free to share any reactions in the comments.
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It’s an understatement to say that it’s complicated. You can’t “fix” the problem until you “fix” the systems and you can’t “fix” the systems unless you “fix” the people but you can’t “fix” the people until you “fix” the systems… It’s a vicious cycle; it’s a catch-22; it’s a cluster-fuck; it’s whatever you want to call it.

And all of this assumes we actually know what the “problem” is. 

In this case, the problem is that white cops are killing unarmed black people. Or is it that innocent cops are being killed in revenge? Or is it that cops are not receiving adequate de-escalation training? Or is it that the culture of racism in America is still rampant? Or is it that mental health is overlooked in the screening of people in positions of power? Or is it that generational poverty is a large indicator of crime? Or is it all of these plus so many more?

There are lots of problems bigger than we are—these are typically the issues getting a lot of air time on the media and, consequently, in our own lives. We spend a lot of time talking about them, thinking about them, and offering solutions into the ether about what “should” be done. 

Examining greater world problems is important - it leads us to be critical thinkers and to be aware of what experiences shape the lives of those around us. But what if we spent even half the time we spend pondering the atrocities of the world instead pondering how our lives can make changes for good in the face of evil? Not sure where to begin? Here are a few questions to start you off: 

How much time have you spent lately wondering how you could become a happier and healthier person?*

How much time have you spent lately wondering how you can make OTHER lives happier and healthier?*

What does it look like/feel like to be happy and healthy?*

What in your life is blocking you from happiness and health?*

What needs to change in order to prioritize removing those roadblocks to become happier and healthier?* 

And finally, what are you going to do about it?* Because all of the thinking and talking in the world does not solve problems. I am not here to offer solutions for you; I’m not here to tell you what to do. But what I can tell you is that the quote “If you are not a part of the solution, you are part of the problem” resonates with me. 

You, alone, cannot change the country’s political structure or the criminal justice system. But you, alone, can change your life—you are in charge of your actions and attitudes, your happiness and health (even in the face or economic and situational circumstances, there is always something to do). And when you make positive changes in your life something shifts. Other people notice and are affected.

I would love to hear what some of your thoughts are after reflecting on those questions. If you are reading this please leave a comment with one way you will work to be a happier and healthier person. Your words might inspire others reading this and create a positive outcome in our community. 

*Two things: 1) I choose the words happiness and health because people who are truly happy and truly healthy (mentally, emotionally, and physically) are typically not part of the problem and 2) I recognize the privilege I have to be able to ask these questions. But given that privilege (and my assumption of yours) what can you do with it to be the best person you can be and help others be the best they can be?