Its Not My Job to Free Tibet

I hate saying that. It feels so very wrong. It's not that I wouldn't like to help them. It's not that I am not appalled at what is happening over there. I have been wrestling with my guilty feelings lately. What have I done to make the world a better place? I started by taking inventory of the areas that I'd love to 'fix'. My to-do list looks like this:

Free Tibet

Heal the hole in the ozone layer

Cure Cancer

Save the endangered species

Overhaul the public school system

Raise my own kids

Defend the gays and lesbians

Teach people how to be happy

Solve world hunger

Find loving homes for the orphans

Save the rainforest

Rid the planet of pollution

Implement a clean economical fuel system

Design a quality inexpensive health care system

End divorces and broken homes

Clean out the political system

Create world peace

Find Atlantis and solve the mystery of the pyramids

Scientifically prove somebody's religion is true

Psychologically heal the inmates who want it

End all superficial fakeness

Save the children

Stop racism

Bring an end to lethargy

Stop terrorism

Save the coral reefs

Change America's focus from being 'politically correct' to becoming 'spiritually correct' and I'm not talking about religion

It all gets a bit overwhelming. How can I ever accomplish all of these things in my lifetime? Even if I delegate certain areas to my kids, and make them take a blood oath that they will force my grandkids to carry on with the work on this list until it is finished, I cannot possible hope to solve all of the world's problems. Then I got to thinking about getting up on my soapbox and preaching to everyone that they need to come help me. There is just so much that needs done and you and I both know that my list is not even complete. I would be lucky if I can do one of those things really well during my lifetime.

I had to sit and really think about my own resources, the natural gifts I was born with, and what amount of time I want to commit to doing good deeds. I had to analyze the list and what it would really take to accomplish each of those things. What I came to realize is that there are some that I am called to do, some that I just want to do, and still others that I secretly wish someone else would do. That's not a bad thing, it is what it is. I may really want to cure cancer and other diseases, but I know that deep down I don't have any resources, skills, training, or education to apply to the problem. It's really not my job. All I can do is to support those who are meant to do that work. If I had the money, I'd dump a fortune into their pockets to make sure they had all of the tools they needed. But I don't have it to give, not yet anyway.

What if I do a little bit for each and every one? They say, "Every little bit counts!" You know if all I was giving was my money, then I'd say yes. Donate money to all of those causes. But, that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about actually rolling up my sleeves and getting to work helping make the world a better place. I personally cannot fly all over the planet adding just a touch of my energy here and there. To truly create the huge changes needed to fix those problems, I would have to really give my undivided attention and focus. One hundred people giving a moment of their time is not as effective and powerful as just two or three people giving it all of their time and focus. If I am going to make a difference, then I will have to narrow the list down.

One by one, I had to scratch off the list those things that I personally could not do. That's not to say that I won't someday be able to help finance them. For now, I have to look at what I can actually roll my sleeves up and do with my own two hands. What are my talents best used for? What is my job? I picked from the list those things that were truly deeply mine. They are all areas that I also happen to feel a personal calling to be involved in. Everything else, I have to let go and trust that someone else will recognize that they have the talents and resources to become part of the solutions. I have to trust that whoever is meant to take on those jobs will feel a calling deep in their soul and that they'll heed that calling.

Another hard part for me is not knowing the divine plan. When bad things happen, we can sort of take comfort in knowing that there must be some divine reason. Somehow the challenges and dramas of life always lead to enlightenment, joy, new self esteem, or some other cosmic gift. Some things are meant to be. Some things are not meant to be. So, when I take that deep breath and trust that someone else is going to pick up that particular problem and give their life to solving it, I have to also make peace with the idea that it may not happen the way I would like to see it happen, or along the timeline that I'd like to see it happen. Who will free Tibet while I'm busy working on fixing these other things? Will they be saved in a timely manner? Will our government dive in to save them the way that they felt called to save other people? I can only pray that someone else picks up the baton because I cannot. Is it your job? Will you free Tibet?

Copyright 2004, Skye Thomas, Tomorrow's Edge

About The Author

Skye Thomas began writing books and articles with an everyday practical approach to life in 1999 after twenty years of studying spirituality, metaphysics, astrology, personal growth, motivation, and parenting. After years of high heels and business clothes, she is currently enjoying working from home in her pajamas. Go to www.TomorrowsEdge.net to read more of her articles and to get a free preview of one of her books.

Skye@TomorrowsEdge.net

---

Finding Inspiration to Realise Your Dreams and Ambitions

"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions.... Read More

Count Your Blessings

Each day brings a new beginning. It's a new leaf... Read More

Anam Chara - Wishing Versus Wanting

There is an old saying, which warns, "be careful for... Read More

Win Your Own Lotto

When people talk about enrichment, they are usually thinking of... Read More

Such Love Transforms

Everything was arranged: once the funeral was over, all were... Read More

Aim High

Change is difficult for many people. Often times our whole... Read More

A Teller Of Tales

Direct Answers - Column for the week of June 10,... Read More

Super Mom, Wonder Woman, Energizer Mommy or Just Mom

Have you ever sat down to watch the evening news... Read More

Words Of Wisdom

Carlos' Words of Wisdom1. Today is your day to exceed,... Read More

The Beauty of Life

"An unexamined life is not worth living."-- SocratesI have just... Read More

Need for a Belief System: A System of Organization for Your Experiences!

I've spoken with many people who, over time, have felt... Read More

Growing From Good To Great

I have never been fond of white-water rafting, probably because... Read More

How to Get Over Emotional Misery

Whether it's a holiday, anniversary, birthday or a time in... Read More

Hitler and the Tsunami

In Catholic school the nuns used to tell us that... Read More

Small Wonder

Wonder:~~To think or speculate curiously~~To be filled with admiration, amazement... Read More

Entrepreneur and Mom

When I was 12 years old, I had surgery with... Read More

The Fuel for Creative Vigor

Writing a book or creating a killer headline requires a... Read More

Forcing Inspiration

Most people, when they have to complete a creative endeavour,... Read More

Tranquility

It's all in the mind- your mind.It's not brought about... Read More

Four Words that Make Life Worthwhile

Over the years as I've sought out ideas, principles and... Read More

Your True Talent Will Set You Free

When you get home from work, do you feel enriched,... Read More

Experiences in My Life Prompted Me to Never Give Up

Many people think that their life is a disaster that... Read More

Confidence Building Steps That Work Like Crazy!

Self-confidence is your assessment of your own self-worth. It plays... Read More

Why Should We Keep Our Thoughts Clear?

From my experience some healings come instantly or during short... Read More

What Is Your Real Worth?

Consider this. If it is possible to quote you as... Read More