![\"barren](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.spiritmoxie.com\/conversation\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/P8030033.jpg?resize=300%2C225\")
When I began writing this, I got a bit puckish and remembered the \u201cWild West\u201d definition, with prospectors and land barons. In my imagination I saw dry creeks and hills. There, \u201cclaim\u201d was a noun.<\/p>\nClaim is a verb!<\/p>\n
When I began writing this, I got a bit puckish and remembered the \u201cWild West\u201d definition, with prospectors and land barons. In my imagination I saw dry creeks and hills. There, \u201cclaim\u201d was a noun.<\/p>\n
However the kind of claim that has an impact in changing the world is a verb. But apparently, it\u2019s a verb many of us don\u2019t trust. Last night, for example, I met a very interesting person, an executive in a wind turbine company based in Denmark that has a presence in Portland, Oregon, where I\u2019m now living. The conversation went something like this:<\/p>\n
Me: \u201cSo you change the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
Him: \u201cWell, kinda. I\u2019d like to think I do. But look at what our kids are inheriting.\u201d<\/p>\n
Me: \u201cClaim it. You change the world. Period.\u201d<\/p>\n
Him: \u201cWell, maybe, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
I think I finally got through. But if you \u201cmaybe\u2019 change the world and \u201cwould maybe like to\u201d make a difference, you probably don\u2019t. This seems endemic to most of you that follow Spirit Moxie. Yes, you. Oh, the idea of \u201clittle things that can change the world\u201d sounds good. You now read similar ideas elsewhere. You find that it\u2019s fun to come up with new \u201clittle things.\u201d You enjoy posts such as this one. But do you take any kind of stand that your actions work, that you (yes, you) matter?<\/p>\n
There are a lot of parts embedded in this question. One analogy is, for example, that you want some exercise so you walk around the track at a local school. Or maybe even run around it. But even though you\u2019re running, it\u2019s not a race unless 1) you decide it is and 2) other people are involved. Note that #1 is you. Others could be racing and you\u2019re not. But if you decide to race, if only to get a better time, others very likely will play along even if it isn\u2019t a formal \u201crace day.\u201d It\u2019s the same thing if you say that it would be great if people claimed that whatever little thing they are doing makes a difference. Smile*<\/a>. Listen*. Vote*.<\/a> All these are one person actions. You can\u2019t make anyone else do them. It\u2019s an individual decision.<\/p>\n What\u2019s essential here is the \u201cclaiming.\u201d Deciding that today is<\/i> race day. Figuring that if I get enough sleep. I\u2019ll be healthier and a lot more pleasant to be around and the health care system will have one fewer person to deal with. As a result my friends can relax and I can experience more joy which is actually contagious in a good way. There\u2019s a deliberate action in this. It is by claiming these actions as making a difference that changing the world becomes possible. Even if only you do them. When a lot of us do them, positive, even unpredictable change becomes possible.<\/p>\n What\u2019s your stand? Race on?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n _____________________<\/p>\n * A chapter in Moxie Moves: 10 easy ways to make a powerful difference<\/em><\/a> All photos by Spirit Moxie Claim is a verb! When I began writing this, I got a bit puckish and remembered the \u201cWild West\u201d definition, with prospectors and land barons. In my imagination I saw dry creeks and hills. There, \u201cclaim\u201d was a noun. However … Continue reading ![\"Washing](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.spiritmoxie.com\/conversation\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_4886.jpg?resize=300%2C225\")
Intellectually how could your getting enough sleep* or brushing your teeth<\/a> affect anyone besides yourself? Smiling*<\/a> might brighten someone\u2019s day, but would it, how could it, change the world? \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Taking](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.spiritmoxie.com\/conversation\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_4995.jpg?resize=225%2C300\")
We read that we\u2019re enough, are fabulous, are good the way we are. But our mind may say, \u201cWho, you? Don\u2019t be silly. You\u2019re not big or strong or important enough to matter.\u201d Thank your mind for sharing. You are all you have to offer. And it is enough. If you claim that and I claim that, we have enough people for that race. And others will join in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\n1. Smile; 3. Sleep; 6. Listen; 9. Vote<\/p>\n
\nRed Rock Canyon Park<\/a> (I think)
\nAnother little thing: Wash Your Hands<\/a> \u2014David A. Lynch, model
\nOff to run \u2014 No\u00ebl Ponthieux, photographer<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"