STOP THE WORLD, I WANT TO GET OFF.

You’re lying if you say you don’t feel this way at least a bit, with all the disasters that have been going on.

There once was a time in our country when we could rely on not having a tragedy every other week, let alone every month. Now hurricanes are destroying homes, mass shootings are a regular occurrence, intolerance involving anything from race to sexuality is sadly making an undeniable comeback and the most our government can do is send “thoughts and prayers”.

Couldn’t we do more than that? This is our country and our people. If we can only try, we can fix this. Here are a few ways:

1. VOTE:

We are still a democracy; don’t make anyone believe we shifted into a dictatorship. Your voice can make a fundamental difference. If you don’t like how this world is going, then vote. Speak out and be heard.

2. Donate:

Donate blood, donate to all the GoFundMe pages that started up after every disaster, donate your time and service to volunteer. However way you want, it all adds up and is a big help. No amount is too little. The beneficiaries will be grateful enough that they are at least seen.

3. Contact your local congressperson:

Or really, anyone working in your government. No matter what your party is, no matter where you stand on the issues, it’s always important to talk to your officials. Stand up for your cause! Be assertive and tell your officials to do something!

4. Lend a hand:

Figuratively and literally. Do your bit to help others out, and also reach out your hand if someone needs one to hold for comfort. A simple act of kindness like that can mean so much.

5. Lend a hug.

6. Smile:

It’s so simple, yet very powerful. You never know what a smile can do for a person, whether it be your friend, family member, or just some random stranger on the street. You can smile at anyone and it’ll brighten up your day. Maybe you’ll start a chain reaction.

7. Spread love:

Who hasn’t been taught the golden rule in their childhood? Treat others the way you want to be treated. Why, if that’s so, are there so much more prejudice and bigotry going on in the world? It’s gotten to a point when a limited number of people feel safe walking out of their own homes. With all that’s been going on, it’s easy to forget how to love. We can’t forget or let it get that far. Everyone deserves to be loved and loved equally at that.

These are only a few of the hundreds of things you can do to help the world. I encourage and implore you to step up, speak up, and play a part. Together, we can make a change.