Finding a space for change
BY CHIT JUAN
GREEN SPACE, The Manila Times.Net
It has been almost a year since I tasted steak at a popular Serendra restaurant. I remember it was the day after Christmas when I met up with a business partner and we shared a huge Angus steak marbled in enough fat and olive oil or was it butter? I am happy though that I do not miss it at all. Last Ash Wednesday I subconsciously took meat or “four-leggeds” out of my diet and have never been happier for making that change.
Every year we find ourselves making resolutions at the start of January and hope that we can give up a bad habit or start a real good one. This time, we can do it not just for ourselves but for the whole world.
Or they sexily say, for our planet. Planet is a word we used in grade school to talk about the Milky Way and galaxies. But today we use it to drive home the point that we have only one planet that man can live in.
The past year has been very challenging given that a lot of calamities hit the country and many of us faced tests we thought we could not overcome. But all of these are part of the big challenge facing the planet and humanity. How one’s fortune can go up in fire in one instant. How a flood can wipe out everyone’s treasures saved through generations. How a financial meltdown can make the “haves” become “have nots” overnight. We are all being tested for the finals and all of the past events should make us stronger if we listen to the message tucked underneath these calamities, man-made or otherwise.
What can we possibly do as one person to make this a better world for our children or at least for what will be the remaining years of our life? How do we make space for change?
Listen more, talk less. We can learn a lot by listening to other people. We can learn a lot by observing more and talking less.
Read more books. Do less Internet. Yes we are social creatures but we also have to look into ourselves and do less mindless chatter on the Internet and have more quiet time without technology around.
Plant a tree. Tend a garden. Planting even one tree (although that would be hard to do on tree planting events as they make us plant ten or more) would make a difference. Even if we are not “green thumbs” we can try tending to a garden.
Eat more vegetables and fruits. It is not only good for you, it is good for the Earth. How? More vegetables and fruits being consumed will give jobs to many farmers and will also keep the local economy growing.
Be a conscious consumer. Be aware of what you buy and who makes them. Be aware of what you eat and what it contains. If you will start a business, look for reasons to put it up other than just for money.
Drive less. Walk more. There are now many options now for public transportation, car pools and free E-jeepney rides (at least in Makati where parking fees cost a fortune). Discover public parks and gardens where you can spend some time communing with nature.
Complain less. Be thankful. Count your blessings. Rather than incessantly complaining about politics, work, etc., say thank you for being alive and being in a beautiful country like ours. Appreciate the wonders of nature right in our own country.
Smile more. There are many reasons to smile and people will wonder what you are up to. It is also the best way to make yourself look younger.
Fight less. Make peace. Be less aggressive or belligerent. Be the peacemaker in conflicts. Avoid arguments. Be more reflective.
Work less. Play more. Work must be enjoyed and not be a reason to be stressed. Work must be just a part of life and it is not life itself. Take up a sport or a hobby. Learn to take your mind off work.
Say a little prayer. Learn to say thank you to the Almighty. No matter how simple your prayer, make it personal. Regardless of religion, we should know how to humble ourselves and submit to someone more powerful.
Make the change smooth and simple. Nobody likes major changes. You should glide into a new you without calling attention to yourself.
Make new friends. It is always refreshing to know new people and hear new insights. They also do not judge you for what you have been or what you were. And neither should you judge them. Just enjoy new company.
Live in the moment. We always regret the past and live for the future but we never drink in the present.
Take in the present and enjoy each day.
Welcome the New Year with hope, thanks and a new person in YOU. Find that space to make a change.
Happy New Year.
Chit Juan is the owner of ECHOstore sustainable lifestyle at Serendra and Podium. She is also the co-chairman of the Philippine Coffee Board. She often speaks to the youth about the environment, entrepreneurship and women empowerment. Email her at
Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/sunday-times/8881-finding-a-space-f...
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