Yes, no matter how positively we think, as soon as we open our eyes and realize how disconnected and divided we humans are, how wrong our society is, or how carelessly we treat our planet, our mood can be affected. We can become anxious, disturbed, worried about where we are heading and how our world is going to look like if we don’t change something. I put a lot of pressure on myself trying to figure out what I can do to change this system, trying to figure out the best way to fight it and create a better world. I overthought and struggled so much so that I was almost close to depression. That’s because I couldn’t accept this world — I hated it. I focused my energy on fighting the old, but as time passed and my energy drained, I found out that there is another way. There are a lot of people who get involved in political fights with the intention to fight something that is bigger than themselves. Then, they lose hope and don’t know what to do anymore. The first survival instinct is, of course, let’s fight! If that works for them, that’s fine, but that didn’t work for me and I really believe that it doesn’t work for anybody in the long run. I have a strong sense of empathy and I intuitively knew there are better ways than fighting. So, as I overthought the sh*t out of my mind while trying to figure out a better way, it suddenly hit me! The best way to fight the system is not fighting at all! You never change things by fighting the existing reality. You see, what’s the point investing valuable energy into fighting the old, when we can invest in building the new? To change something, build a new model that makes the existing one obsolete. Our everyday consumption, our decisions each day can contribute to maintaining the old and outdated system or can contribute to a new and better one. So here are 10 peaceful ways to change the world into a better one, having fun while you are at it.
1. Spread positivity
Improving your attitude and living a more positive life overall can sometimes be difficult and takes a lot of effort. But a part of it can also be more simple. You can spread positivity around you with small actions: give compliments, help someone in need, play positive music, encourage someone, smile, hug someone, do sports, read positive books, learn or do something new every day. These actions can help you maintain an optimistic mood and help others feel the same because we all know that emotions are contagious.
2. Ditch or at least reduce consumption of animal products
The world’s top scientists, including Stephen Hawking, consider climate change to be one of the world’s greatest threats. Science shows that going vegan is one of the most effective ways to fight climate change. Here are some stunning facts:
A staggering 51% or more of global greenhouse-gas emissions are caused by animal agriculture. 5% of water consumed in the US is by private homes. 55% of water consumed in the US is for animal agriculture. 20%-33% of all freshwater consumption is caused by animal agriculture. Livestock covers 45% of the earth’s total land mass, and animal agriculture is also the leading cause of species extinction, ocean dead zones, water pollution, and habitat destruction. 130 times more animal waste than human waste is produced in the US – 1.4 billion tons from the meat industry annually. 5 tons of animal waste is produced per person in the US. 3/4 of the world’s fisheries are exploited or depleted. As many as 2.7 trillion animals are pulled from the ocean each year. We could see fishless oceans by 2048.
These are just a few facts and reasons to completely ditch, or at least reduce, the consumption of animal products.
3. Ditch or at least reduce consumption of processed foods, chemicals, and conventional medicine
Processed foods don’t come from nature; they come from factories. The more productive the factories, the more money the corporations make. The more money the corporations make, the more energy and resources will be consumed and more important, our health will be at risk — we will eat exactly what they want us to eat. Control the food and you can control the world. The same goes for chemicals and conventional medicine. Believe me, we don’t need to ingest chemicals and conventional medicine. In fact, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly will keep them away for good and will inspire other people to do the same.
4. Recycle, live more sustainably, buy organic and fair trade, pay attention what you support when you buy something
In the age of consumerism, recycling is a must. Why? Because our resources are going to end soon enough if we don’t put a price on recycling. I try to buy everything recycled and cut unnecessary consumption as much as I can, and I still live a modern and comfortable life. Did you know that a lot of “valuable” brands practice labor slavery and exploit their workers? Why? Because people have become ridiculously addicted to the “paper.” Human value, quality of life, and our environment have to suffer because of the psychotic race for wealth and power. We spray and poison the earth with chemicals, reducing the costs of the production of food, making ourselves and our environment sick. Then we wonder why we are prone to diseases, why organic farmers are almost a story of the past, and why they are so expensive. Every time we consume and buy something, we vote for a clean sustainable future or for chaos. If you didn’t know this already, next time when you go shopping, keep that in mind. We literally reap what we sow. The good news is that there are a lot of sustainable alternatives. There are still organic farmers out there who produce delicious and healthy foods for us. We have a choice. We don’t have to make our children responsible for our ignorance and our mess. Our money has the power to change the world!
5. Get rid of your television and stop consuming corporate media
We all know that television sells lies, fear, and negativity to control the population and to keep us asleep. There’s no conspiracy here anymore. Stop watching and supporting their madness. Turn off your TV and get rid of it or use it as a screen to connect to the internet with. Get educated, not dumbed down. I am not saying that there aren’t any good TV channels out there, but is it worth it to pay for it when you have an internet connection and you can choose your own news sources? Nowadays, corporate media is also on the internet, so when you see negative news, drama, gossip, and so on, click on the small button on the right corner of your browser, usually marked with an X. Nothing good will come of it. The Internet is ours! We finally have the chance to educate ourselves independently, so let’s keep it clean and use it wisely!
6. Don’t remain quiet about injustice and learn to stand up for yourself
This could happen everywhere and could come from everyone: in institutions, the workplace, on the streets, by the bank and insurance companies, even our loved ones can abuse us. I took part in plenty of situations where I got abused or taken advantage of until I learned to stand up for myself. Don’t let yourself be abused — speak up for yourself.
7. Help where you can, and if you can’t, then don’t hurt
If someone is helpless and you can really help them but you choose not to, then put yourself in their place. How would you feel? That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice yourself for them, but at least try to understand and help them if you can. We all have moments of struggle in our lives. It is very important not to laugh at people’s situation or make fun of them. A person in need is very vulnerable. Walk away if you can’t or don’t want to help.
8. Talk about important topics rather than small talk whenever you can
People like to talk about every little thing, and that’s OK. We need that from time to time, but it shouldn’t be the standard conversation type. We should talk more about important topics, topics that make us think and build our imagination and creativity. Topics that make us aware of who we are and our surroundings. Ideas, personal talents, and discoveries are born from these topics. I recently found out that someone I love has a talent for singing. She just never talked about it, although we see each other every day. Don’t hide your thoughts. They can inspire, change, or transform the world!
9. Never lose hope in humanity
There are a lot of positive things happening right now in the world. Free energy solutions, veganism being on the rise, sustainable alternatives, innovative technologies and ideas that will help us in the future. Well-known people and millions of normal people are interested in making the world a better place. Humans have unlimited potential. We can change our society simply with our thoughts and actions. There are so many beautiful things in the world to care for, and so many beautiful people contributing and helping humanity — so many innovative people that create futuristic inventions and solutions. Whenever you have a tough time and you lose hope, just try to point your focus in a more positive direction, to concentrate on the change, and remember that it is only a temporary feeling. What seems impossible at the moment will become possible — it was always this way!
10. Get active, donate, help create a better world
There are plenty of non-profit organizations who care and commit to a better world. If you have the extra money and time, make donations or volunteer to do their work. If not, search and educate yourself on the internet, sign petitions, share awareness, or create something that could help to build a better world. Be the change! It costs nothing and you will feel amazing. So, there it is. Ten of the best ways I can think of to change the world for the better. If this list resonates with you, that’s awesome. If it doesn’t, then find better ways to do it. But don’t fight to change the world — do it peacefully! And, if you want to dabble in veganism and try some vegan meals, here are 10 delicious recipes recommended by popular vegan bloggers. Featured photo credit: https://unsplash.com/@lenabell via unsplash.com
