WHEN I was younger, I often make a list of similar propositions from dozen “Life Guide” self-help books. Surely, it was an acknowledgment that these life gurus from different lifetimes and their registry of “trial and errors” have at least hit an acceptable formula for those who are still starting their journey (like us). What I found out was that they all have something in common – “Change starts within you,” or “Be better and the world becomes better.”
Or as the legendary Gandhi aptly put it: “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” Truly, we cannot expect the world to change for the better when we cannot even improve ourselves, when we do not start within ourselves, our homes – clean our backyards, obey simple community rules, take responsibility for our family, help in simple chores.
In this world of trickle down anger and hate in every corner of the globe, it is a challenge to foster concern and love for what we hope for a better year (which officially starts today).
Often times, especially in this runaway train of information and misinformation, and the false illusion of a binary cluster of the population (Pro and Anti, Yellow versus Red, Kill or be Killed mentality), negativity thrives and trolls are kings.
How can we possibly create a loving community when we cultivate the same hate and violence that we pretend to suppress? We cannot stop bullying by becoming bullies ourselves, we cannot preach discipline and respect when our reactions are foul themselves. Again, we must be the change that we want to see in the world.
For a better year, and a better us, I hope to use this column as a memo to myself, and to those who believe in this well-intended scribbles of an eternal student: 1) Wake up with gratitude. Despite the challenges of everyday, the fact that we are still alive this year is a blessing in itself that we should cherish. 2) Strive for self-improvement, regardless of how small growth seems. 3) Share positive news more (than those wildfire of vitriol that are sometimes fake). 4) More family time, less drinking nights. People become miserable by relying on cheap instigated pleasure, rather than on the pure joy of family moments. 5) Understand more, judge less. 6) Inspire more, criticize less. Sometimes, our opinion does not help situations, our active support does. 7) Be passionate in everything – studies, work, hobbies. After all, “Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion.”
***
The Municipality of La Trinidad will be celebrating two festivals this first quarter of the year: the La Trinidad Coffee Festival this February, and our town’s major festivity: the Strawberry Festival on March. The SF Executive Committee has already approved the traditional or institutionalized events for the Strawberry Festival, which includes the most anticipated “Giant Strawberry Cake” for this year! We hope that our Strawberry Festival, which was recognized in the country as a top finalist for the best tourism event, will be better and more meaningful this year!