Heart + Action = results.

It’s Anti-Poverty Week this week.

Whilst I am doing my degree, I am working for a Not-For-Profit organisation that has a robust Social Justice program that I am very proud to participate in. I feel I am able to say that each day, whilst I work towards my goal of being university educated and improving myself, I am also genuinely helping to make a difference in people’s lives at work; that what I do matters. That’s a great feeling.

The fact that I no longer feel helpless about the world’s greater issues is key to this great feeling. As someone with a conscience, and wanting desperately to help everyone, it can be very overwhelming knowing you are but one person…and where the hell do you start?!

Most people adopt the defeatist conclusion that their sole efforts wont make a dint in the issue, and give up.

Other people like to dig their heels on the notion that a tough outlook and material-focused lifestyle is cool, and anyone who does not prioritise climbing the corporate ladder; or who speaks up on animal welfare, or human rights, or the environment, is just a tree huggin hippie that should be shipped off to some island with the rest of them, where they won’t bother those of us who just want to rape and pillage the earth in peace, thanks very much.

I, personally think the former is more dangerous than the latter. And so did Albert Einstein, who said:

"The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it".

I’m all for “live and let live”. Not because I’m a Buddist monk, but because I’m too lazy to get worked up about people who don’t share my views and beliefs about this world. I have learned, as I have got older, that you can’t change people. You can only change yourself. As Gandhi said;

"Be the change you want to see in the world”.

I know this is a busy world, and we can't do it all. I'm simply sharing that I’ve learned that a kind heart is not enough to make this world a better place; Taking actions motivated by your kind heart is.

This busy time of year is a better time than any to contemplate what you want to do with the next stage of your life, what matters to you, what kind of positive impact you can have on the people and environment around you – but most importantly – how you’re going to achieve it.

I recently watched a brief TED Talk by Jody Williams; a Nobel Peace Laureate, who had a very pragmatic opinion on peace, and how to facilitate a dignified life for all humans. She reiterated the notion that positive change comes from real action.

I know I’m in very good company. The World Giving Index through Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) recently found that Australia & New Zealand are the most GIVING nations in the world! We're top people!

If you want to take action on the things that matter, like eradicating poverty from our world – start with this hepful resource from Philanthropy Australia or find out what Volunteer Opportunities are available that suit you.