It is a rainy morning in Trinidad. It is gloomy and cold and wet and my spot on the ground bed looking through the front door is cozy and relaxing. I am thinking about something I said earlier, "Politics has ruined us .... We can't fix our problems if the politics does not change and the politics wont change if the people dont change and demand change .... Sometimes I look to the next generation but then I see that they are being molded in the same ways as the current generation." There is a lot of despair and complaining and finger pointing which only makes things worse. I asked my friend Bard, how do we break the cycle?
We need to focus on solutions more than the problems. We need to listen to those who have good ideas and can think smartly about problem solving. We need to support those who are working to make things better. We need to practice gratitude. I think this is in short supply and ingratitude only makes things worse. We need to take responsibility for the things that are within our control. We need to realise that change begins with us and at home. We have to be the change we wish to see. We have to choose our words carefully. Words have power. We have to be constructive and encouraging in our language.
My friend Bard thinks that breaking the cycle requires a collective effort. By focusing on solutions, taking personal responsibility, engaging in constructive dialogue, and supporting each other, we can create a more positive and hopeful environment conducive to real change. Ultimately, the key to breaking the cycle is action. It's not enough to simply complain or point fingers. We need to take concrete steps, no matter how small, to move towards the future we envision. Remember, even the smallest acts of compassion, collaboration, and positive thinking can have a ripple effect and contribute to a more positive future.
Instead of saying "the politics has ruined us", I now say "let us explore ways to improve the politics of the future". One thing that we could be doing is making the job of politician as attractive as doctor or lawyer. Bard gives me some good pointers on how this can be achieved. Enhance the public perception of politicians. Improve the working conditions for politicians. Increase the diversity of political representation. Provide mentorship and training programs for aspiring politicians and address systemic barriers that hinder diverse representation in politics. I would like to see more differently abled persons in politics. Foster a culture of civic engagement. Encourage respectful dialogue and disagreement within a framework of constructive criticism.
Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and let us be the change we wish to see.
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