We have witnessed the unexpected; from the political rebellion in Islamic countries to the natural disaster in Japan. We have succumbed to a majority election of the conservative party and voted Jack Layton as the official opposition party. We have learned that it is time for politics to change. We have watched in wonder the sacrifice of Occupy Wall Street and have done nothing to support the movement, except for the moral nod for their crusade – that will end up being our fight in the end. We have suffered the loss of one of the most promising politicians in the country – Jack Layton – and yet we seem to have forgotten his wisdom. Harper withdraws from Kyoto and Charest’s Plan Nord should enrich the province but at what cost? We are all aware of the environmental issues and yet we continue to pollute, to consume and to destroy the few natural spaces left in Quebec.
Yes. We want things to change but we also want to keep living the same quality of life. We still want bigger houses (although we have smaller families), better cars (although it pollutes considerably!), more performing computers, high tech TVs and home theatre systems. Where will it stop? The world is out of control. WE are out of control.
2011 is a year of awareness. Not of change. Not yet anyway. We have to BE the change that we want to see in the world. It all starts with “WE”. Not THEM. And as awareness expands in the world, it should also expand in our personal lives. How can we represent the wisdom Jack Layton inspired our country?
“My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.” -Farewell letter from Jack Layton 2011
BE the change you want to see. BE loving, BE forgiving, BE hopeful. Laugh. Love. Share. Maybe 2012 will be the year of true change!
To all of you readers, I thank you and wish you kindness and peace for the New Year to come. I’m expecting 2012 to be full of joy and unexpected surprises (good ones that is!)!
Happy Holidays to all of you!
Ally L.