Saturday 30 May 2020

We are the World Blogfest # 37: Be thoughtful, be wise, be considerate …




There are so many extraordinary people going above and beyond … but I would like us to be thinking how we can help ourselves, and our world, be fairer, be easier …


 Many will be exhausted, shattered with the experiences they are journeying through … for some there is no let-up, no relief …



The Kind Angel of Peace,
Donetsk, Ukraine


… let’s be prepared, even with our limited knowledge, to think ahead and be leaders … we are wise, we need to forget our doubts and uncertainties …




Puck cartoon 1903 -
Andrew Carnegie's philanthropy
… by showing a common resolve, being pro-active with novel ideas, encourage and help others who are anxious …

Let’s be leaders … think forward for our grandchildren … do all we can today, while planning for tomorrow thus taking that worry away … we’ll be occupied and engaged, not brooding on things we cannot change …




Van Gogh's Wheatfields -
let's leave the land
as we would like it ...
(1890)
Do unto others as you would like them do unto you … seems an appropriate idea at the moment … thinking forward, not for what’s in it for us today, but how we can lay foundations of care and comfort for humanity’s future …




… we all can be philanthropic, wise and inclusive …


… be peaceful by being prepared …



We are the World Blogfest
In Darkness, Be Light



Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

36 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

Huge thanks.
A work in progress - but soooo worth the attempt.

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
Hoorah! Hoorah! let all with ears hear, and with eyes, see... YAM xx

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Principles to live by, Hilary, but if human history proves anything, we will probably not rise to the challenge. Sink our knee into the neck of a black man and murder him in cold blood, ravage the environment, exploit our fellow citizen, abuse our spouses and children, cheat on our taxes, file false insurance claims............these are all things we do well. As a general rule, philanthropy and kindness not so much. Just ask Donald Trump.

Hels said...

Thinking forward on behalf of the grandchildren is one of the most important things that propels us oldies up and forward. For 2 months I have waved to them through a closed glass door. Then this week we had a sit-down dinner and discussed school, plans for university, getting driving licences etc etc. It was the best family event for ages!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ EC - yes it is a work in progress ... I'd just prefer it was moving to more inclusivity by our leaders, and by us all considering all around us - many do ... but we can all forget ... thanks for being here ...

@ Yam - yes it'd be good if some could experience the pain they've inflicted on others in the world ... thanks for coming by ...

@ David - yes ... and I am a behind the scenes type of person, though some wouldn't think so! But you're right - we need our leaders to stop doing the appalling things and to lead with thoughtfulness and understanding - and not be self-serving.

@ Hels - I know and you're so right ... what a wonderful celebration you must have had together - so pleased for you ... and they'll value your input as the grandchildren move forward with their lives ... lots ahead of them.

Compassion, caring, thinking of others, including all ... my hope for the world - thanks for your support - all the best Hilary

Susan Scott said...

I love your graphics Hilary - as they say a picture tells a 1000 words. Though your words are inspiring too. Troubling times, now and ahead - and as you say, be prepared, peaceful, philanthropic wise and inclusive. Thank you!

Botanist said...

It's important for each of us to think for the future, but to make real progress, we need to alter the mechanisms in society that actively reward short-term thinking - the next election, next quarter's bottom line ...

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

Beautifully expressed, Hilary, and I couldn't agree more. As a pathological optimist, I've always believed in the inherent goodness of people, so I haven't given up on the possibility that humanity will come out of this in a better place. It would seem more likely, however, if more of the world leaders were leading from a position of compassion. We need empathy and a united morality from the top down.

Anabel Marsh said...

Well said, Hilary.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Being pro-active is definitely key

Liz A. said...

Be the light...

Chatty Crone said...

I totally agree Hilary. We need some here in America these last few days.

Dan said...

This is such good advice. We all need this.

Annalisa Crawford said...

I hope we can come out of this stronger, wiser, more considerate, happier in our own skins and our own lives. But there are so many struggles in the world - external and internal - I think it may be some time. I'm trying to be better in my little corner of the world.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Susan – thanks … I try and find appropriate images reflecting the idea around the post. It’s all difficult at the moment – but am glad the words and phrases ring true …

@ Ian – it is so important we start to think and not just live for the day as so many do … we really need to get prepared for a very different future … with new ‘open’ leaders: I sincerely hope that’s the case …

@ Susan – thank you very much … I’m an optimist too – and most people are being very aware of what’s required … this pandemic will follow its course and we’ll come out – I sincerely hope in a better place. As you say we need leaders with compassion, empathy and that united morality across all spectrums of society …

@ Anabel – thank you …

@ Lynda – I agree being pro-active or being ready to go with things worked out …

@ Liz – yes … we all need to ‘be the light’ …

@ Sandie – I know … I sincerely hope bossy leaders will become more empathetic to the needs of their own country and its people …

@ Dan – many thanks … so difficult, right now …

@ Annalisa – yes each of us improving our own lives has to help everyone – so good for you. Sadly I too think it’ll be a long time – it’s an interesting time … let’s hope we get through safely …

Take care all of you – and thanks for being here … stay safe - Hilary

Computer Tutor said...

With what's happening in my American cities these last few days, it couldn't be clearer what a difference leadership--mayors and governors--makes. Sigh.

Pradeep Nair said...

It's all about the thought that we are not alone; we are just one among the many around us. And this day is just one in the journey ahead. We need to take all along with us, with sensitivity and compassion, with the future in mind.

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

Oh yeah I so liked this post

retirementreflections said...

Hi, Hilary - You are very wise. We CAN all be philanthropic and inclusive. At least in our own ways. If we each took one baby step in this direciton, can you imagine thee difference to our world's future?

D.G. Kaye said...

Beautiful post and message Hilary. <3

Joanne said...

thanks - as always, thought provoking and very true. I've been reading a lot about leadership lately (and the lack right now from the top). We can only hope change for the better is in the offing. Folks are fed up, but we need to find the kind, considerate solutions to move forward.

Jo said...

Great thoughts but how many will follow them.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Jacqui – I just hope things calm down … for you all …

@ Pradeep – you’re endorsing my thoughts … we need just to hold compassion, sensitivity as we live our lives and as our life, and thus others, move forward …

@ Jo-Anne – so pleased you appreciated the post …

@ Donna – I just hope we can encourage others to follow your thoughts ... baby steps to help each others …

@ Debby – thanks … simple to follow I hope …

@ Joanne – I know I’ve been reading articles about leadership, but have been reading some of my books from my tbr list. I just hope most of us will step back and remember, then perhaps amend our approach to life …

@ Jo – I hope we will all change for the better and thus encourage others …

Thanks so much for visiting … as we go into June when our lives are changing so much – we need calm and care in our world … all the very best to you all - Hilary

Keith's Ramblings said...

Somebody once said, leaders think and talk about the solutions, followers think and talk about the problems. I know which I'd rather be. A thought-provoking piece Hilary.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

In such difficult times, a lovely reminder about what's important. Thanks, Hilary.

Nick Wilford said...

I would like to think we'll come out of this with a greater sense of compassion and caring for others. It remains to be seen, and the precedents from history aren't good. If we were all kinder to those in our immediate vicinity, it would add up. Thanks for this thoughtful post.

Sandra Cox said...

So true. So many extraordinary people out there. Blessings on them all.

Kalpana said...

There's great wisdom in your words Hilary - and I'm sure some people will hear them. Happy WATWB.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Keith - short term off the cuff solutions ... don't help at all. Thank goodness we at least have some choice ... thank you for your comment ...

@ Elizabeth - it's a crazy time ... we really do need to think of others and as you say what's important ...

@ Nick - I do hope so ... but we need the real leaders of the human race to stand up for all of us. We don't seem to learn from today, or from history ... but as part of the populace we can do our bit ...

@ Sandra - yes thank goodness for those who care ...

@ Kalpana - thanks for coming over for #WATWB ... I hope we and our leaders can be thoughtful, wise and considerate at this time ...

Good to see you all here - and thanks for your thoughts - all the best - Hilary

Sandra Cox said...

Yes, we do need to be thoughtful wise and consider, especially in the U.S. right now. It's a very dystopian time here right now.
Be safe. Be healthy.

Denise Covey said...

Do unto others as you would like them do unto you...was a saying my mother always reminded us of. Helped in a big family. Even more crucial in that big world out there. There is so much good in the world. Sad that the focus is on the bad.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Sandra - thanks again for visiting ... it is certainly a very difficult world out there ...

@ Denise - yes we were also reminded of those thoughts ... only do what will help others and what won't hurt anyone else. There is so much good out there - it's just we don't seem to highlight it ... and like you - I'd like to focus on the good ...

Thanks to you both - I just hope the world improves in June and then for ever more ... stay healthy and take care - Hilary

Tyrean Martinson said...

Yes, we can all do our part to lead for decency and unity.

Patsy said...

"Do unto others as you would like them do unto you." That's something I always try to keep in mind. It's a very good guide to whether or not our behaviour is kind.

cleemckenzie said...

The idea of behaving like leaders is brilliant. Our children deserve someone at the head to set them on a path that serves them and the world well. Compassion. Honor. Respect. Dignity.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Tyrean - we all do need to set our own healthy leadership examples that others would want to follow ...

@ Patsy - that maxim is so important isn't it - and as you say something we always need to remember ... so we are always kind and thinking of others ...

@ Lee - I just sincerely hope we can learn from our exceptional leaders who adhere to these ideals ... as you say: Compassion, Honour, Respect and Dignity ...

Thanks so much for visiting - take care - Hilary