Happy New Year and New Decade! 

 

As we begin this new decade, it can be difficult not to despair with so much bad news out there. Climate change, war, poverty, injustice, disease, and hunger all seem insurmountable at this point in history. The devastating pictures of the bushfires in Australia are enough to shake anyone’s faith in the future. And as just one person, it may feel like we are unable to do anything to change the course we are on. 

 

But there is hope. We can decide, right here and now, how we are going to respond to the chaos of the world. We can be a little kinder and gentler with each other. We can volunteer for an organization that does good in the world (like Sierra Club Connecticut!). We can donate money to a great cause. We can make changes in our daily lives to help stem the coming climate crisis. We can call our representatives and tell them what kind of world we want. We can join a rally or a march for a cause we believe in. We can work for a candidate that shares our values. We can bring peace and calm to ourselves. We can be the light. 

 

There are so many wonderful ways to get involved right here in Connecticut and so many wonderful ways to get involved all over the country and the world. We always hear about the bad news, but if we look closer we realize there is good news going on as well—so many caring people who want to make the world better and help our fellow beings out. Although some of us may seem miles apart at this point, I truly feel most people are kind and loving, and want to do the right thing. We cannot let fear, hatred, and anger lead the way. It is time to lead with kindness, compassion, and justice for all. 

 

We all have the capacity to make a difference in our world, in our country, in our state, and in our hearts. Do not despair. Choose what YOU are going to do in these difficult times, and go do it. 

 

With that, I will leave you with one of my favorite exchanges in cinematic history:

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Frodo: I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened. 

Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.

 

Ann Gadwah is Chapter Chair and Political Chair of Sierra Club Connecticut.