SocialButterfly

Who Pooped in Your Cereal?

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009 | Changeblogging: NP, activism, social change +, Interesting Articles, SocialButterfly

Sometimes, you have bad days. When those bad days hit, those are the days you could use some inspiration. Yesterday, I woke up and was inspired.

This image is taken from Franke James’ book “The Real Poop on Social Change.” In it, James delivers an important message regarding awareness vs. behavior. It’s an excellent read, and it’ll take you less than five minutes. (Warning: The text below is a bit provocative, but I think is presented just right–especially in the context of the whole story. One more reason to read it…)

Hope the image brought a smile to your face as it did to mine. Other points James’ makes that may not bring a smile to your face, but instead, infuse renewed energy to your actions:

• “Look at global warming. Lots of awareness. But how many are doing something?”
• “U.S. women have lots of awareness [about breast cancer]. But if they don’t have the money to see a doctor–what good is awareness?”

And then, I came across Sheila at LiveWell360, who I felt was so poignant in her questions that she got me thinking further about individual awareness vs. behavior battles:

• “Why do we work and work and work so that when we are 65 we can *hopefully* retire and do nothing and/or “whatever we want”… at the sacrifice of our time with our family and living a joyful life now? That seems so backwards.
• Why do we ask each other how we are doing, and the acceptable response is “not bad.” Tell me what you ARE, not what you are not.
• Why is it weird to ask someone, “What inspires you?”
• Why is it considered “wishful thinking” or even sometimes laughed upon to go after your dreams and believe that you can do more than status-quo?
• Why are we willing to buy premium gas for our car, but not buy premium food for our body?”

What about you? Do any of Sheila’s thoughts speak to you? I mean, just because we pick up doggie-do-do, doesn’t mean you have to feel like doggie-do-do. As you wake up this morning, I hope this post leaves you inspired. It’s a new day–experience it.

[Thank you to LaDonna Coy for her tweet, as she is the one who originally brought Franke James' illustration to my attention.]

Tags: action, awareness, behavior, dog poop, energy, individual action, inspiration, inspire, move, social change, The Real Poop on Social Change

4 Comments to Who Pooped in Your Cereal?

Monica
September 30, 2009

OMG! I love you and everything about this post.

I especially love the questions that Sheila asked. I often ask folks what inspires them in everyday life and get looked at like a crazy person.

Thank you for inspiring me and adding a little extra sunshine to my day

LaDonna Coy
September 30, 2009

So glad you found a connection via the tweet and love how you’ve pulled the threads together here. These are cage-rattling questions that have the chance of shifting our thinking. it made me think, why is it some tasks seem to draw us down while others lift us up – and what keeps us from doing more of the lift us up type? Indeed if we will pick up the poo, all things are possible!

Alex
October 1, 2009

Monica–Thanks for the enthusiasm and support. I was really excited when I discovered Sheila the other day as well. And I think asking people what inspires them is a grrreat question–keep on keeping on.

LaDonna–I did. As I read through James’ story, I kept saying–yes, yes, yes….–as I read along. And, you ask another great question yourself. I think reflective time is important and in a world that continues to move faster and faster, it’s precious time that we often overlook or don’t allow ourselves to enjoy.

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