“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
That’s a quote from Jane Goodall, the recently passed primatologist, anthropologist, and philosopher.
So, what kind of difference can you make today? What impact did we have yesterday? Each interaction is an opportunity to build relationships, communicate, share humanity, be honest, improve something, or help someone.
I see many instances of compassion, and I hear many expressions of wisdom. But I also see hatred, meanness, and “you’re wrong, I’m right” absolutism. We have a way to go.
My influence arises from whatever pool of wisdom I’ve accumulated. I attend many events – educational, celebratory, discursive. I give supporting words. I listen and advise — or just listen.
At a recent conference I attended, a speaker said: “I see the youth and energy and optimism, but where are the elders, the wisdom?” I looked around the room and realized I was one of the oldest in the room. But I must say that there was much wisdom that week from all generations represented.
Some wisdom is extant, some is potential, unfolding. Wisdom, like DNA, blossoms at different times for different people. The youthful brilliance and strength at that conference give me hope for the future.
I attended the Citizenship Project celebration at the Legion, after four individuals navigated the long, arduous process to become American citizens. Were they wise to make that journey? I think so.
I am often interviewed by radio, TV, newspapers, and others. I’m humbled to be asked, and I hope there’s occasionally a modicum of wisdom in my responses. I recently did one for a CU Boulder university project. They asked many questions about Rocky Mountain National Park, the shutdown, and sustainability. I was most impressed by the thoughtful and insightful wisdom of the young interviewers. These students see the world very broadly and deeply at a still-young age. I am cheered to see that. Post-millennials bring fresh wisdom to the table.
Linda and I tried to cultivate a wide worldview in our daughters through travel, arts, theater, books, open discussion, and music. The arts promote wisdom by seeing and hearing many perspectives. The recently announced Colorado Creative District designation for the Estes Arts District is a very good thing. I was happy to show my support to the CCI folks for this designation. Whether I made a difference or not is a moot point. I’ll always try to impact the good causes.
It is wise to see the doctor when your health goes awry. Good health is at the root of good works. When your system is out of balance, it is hard to focus on the tasks at hand. Physical and mental energy is depleted. Sleep might suffer. Communication is less effective due to distractions from pain or discomfort. It is harder to positively impact the world when you’re dragged down by health challenges.
Speaking of health, the operational board that will oversee UCHealth Estes Valley Medical Center will do best with a fresh start, with new community board members. I have advised UCHealth and others to consider what is best for the hospital culture, the administration, and our community. With objective wisdom, the proper course of action is apparent, and the operational board won’t be tied to past boards but will start clean.
Wise people know that good food contributes to good health. I continue to encourage well-known produce markets to consider a site in Estes. Location and space are tough in Estes, but a couple of these organizations have shown some interest.
It would be wise to move the post office out of downtown to an accessible place with great parking. It’s a tough time to get the feds to move on such a thing, but we’ll continue to try to impact this by working with Congressman Neguse’s office to sponsor a USPS space-constraint request to the federal government.
Make a Difference Day was the fourth Saturday in October. It echoes Ms. Goodall: Make a positive impact. Some are doing it. Our Estes Legion post is offering meals to furloughed Park employees. The YMCA organized some clean-up days to help the park. There is a GoFundMe for the Nederland recovery from the fire; you can easily find it online. There are lots of good impacts from many well-meaning people.
So, where does knowledge end and wisdom start? It’s an ever-flowing continuum. How old do you have to be to be wise? There’s no age limit. What is the best way to impact the world around you tomorrow?
Question number three, you have to answer that.