How to stay positive

(This post was originally written in March of 2019)

On a Monday-ish day in March, I was walking the streets of a place like Stellenbosch in my imagination. I was so consumed with thoughts that I didn’t notice who I passed, or who passed me. You see, on this particular day, like so many before, I was saving the world in my thoughts. 

I was mulling over all the news I see around me. “Scientists say that the only real way to save the earth is to cut down on our animal product consumption”; the state of our country; the fear for our children’s futures… how full of plastic the ocean was the last time I swam in it… I even saw some kids protesting with banners saying ‘f*** education, save earth’- their point was that education won’t help them at all when their generation is dying on what used to be a fruitful planet… we have 11 years left to make serious changes to save our planet… I thought about the racist, stereotypical, and hateful remarks that I hear on a weekly basis… and the homeless man who told me he doesn’t feel welcome on the streets of Stellenbosch, where people need to live and do things. He knows he is in their way… or that video I saw of someone saving a sea-turtle by pulling a plastic straw out of its nostril… or the idea that if the bees are gone, the whole ecosystem might crash. Or what about that footage of a tractor full of blood after being shot by a farmer… how people need to live in fear, all the security gates, all the guards with guns.

But on this particular day, I walked past a woman with a child in her arms and a concerned look on her face. She tried to speak to me, but I was rushed – I was busy saving the world, you see. I walked past a pigeon choking on a tube of toothpaste, but I was absent. I thought I was busy thinking of solutions. I walked past a child who wanted to pay for a cooldrink but was R2 short. And right past the last bee on the block, dying of thirst. Perhaps I passed a possible best friend, an opportunity to listen, or someone who needs a simple smile back. But the world has real big issues, and I need to play my part in solving them.

I only looked up when I heard someone sing. It was off-pitch, a dwindling tune, like a familiar path you treaded during your childhood. Her wrinkled lips spit out the sounds with great dramatic flair, accompanying her -even more dramatic- actions. First, she stood dancing in front of the bird cage. The birds flew around inside, as if they’re reacting to her movements. She pulled the gate open, pushed her arm through the opening and grabbed a bird. But as soon as she touched it, her whole manner changed. She worked so softly, tenderly with the bird – retrieving her arm, extending it up to the sky, and then opening her fingers that was caging the bird in. This went on for three more birds before she noticed me. “A little bit of hope goes a long way”, the old lady said with a smile tugging on the corners of her mouth. She set another bird free with a wild giggle. 

All we can do is hope. I think of a quote that I heard: the two biggest signs of hope are planting a tree and having a child. You don’t get to see what environment it grows up in, or even what fruit is bears. So I can’t save the world, you see. And I shouldn’t really try to. I heard of an African country where it is considered crucial to walk half an hour earlier than needed to reach your destination. It would be extremely rude to rush past someone you know with a simple ‘how are you’ – so they leave early, literally making time for the people who cross their path.

There is a lot that I cannot do- but… I can love well. I can enjoy little things like flowers and coffee, and share those joys with others. I can share the good news. I can live more consciously, and consume less wasteful things. I can use less plastics and create awareness. I can share of what I have in abundance. I can spend time with people who need someone. I can walk in the moment, seeing who crosses my path – and helping where I can. 

In this time, it is easy to become discouraged and to stop making effort with the little things. But every person that crosses your path is there for a reason. The world needs what you’ve got. After all, “a little bit of hope goes a long way”.