©Allen Merritt (2015)
I usually find interesting things to consider when I step out into
the world. I generally see my observations as good; especially when they lead
me to reflect on the potentiality of the day. This week introduced something
unusual, which led me to deliberate on a couple of unrelated experiences
followed by my curiosity. More specifically, the idea of how powerful change
can be; the importance of initiating that change; and, working toward the best
possible solutions. Let me start with a couple of stories.
Not
long ago I was working on building a promotional video requiring several hours
of planning, editing, tweaking and finalizing. After the third draft of the
short piece (under 4 minutes in length) I was asked if it wouldn’t be nice to
add a “call to action.” Specifically, the request was to include a simple petition
for viewers to actively respond, as opposed to remaining a bystander or witness
to the cause. After all, the intention of the video was to make an appeal to
donors and fundraise for not-for-profit initiatives. This request added a
dynamic element and proved powerful in the end. For me, the use of a “call to
action” made quite the statement toward pushing for something positive.
Later
that week, I observed a vehicle with an interesting looking American flag
hoisted on the backend. It wasn’t the traditional red, white and blue stars and
stripes scenario, but a black and white version. It was like someone had take a
black and white photograph of the American flag; not one trace of color. I had
never seen this before.
I
wondered what it meant or if it stood for anything. After doing some internet searching,
I discovered a couple of possibilities: 1) The black and white flag stood for
the economic recession and an interest toward paving the way for a better
future¹, 2) It also serves as a representation of Black Americans struggles and
interest in social change² and, 3) It is a flag given to soldiers deployed
overseas.¹
Now,
whether or not any or all of these statements are true to the unusual flag’s
meaning, the most common thought appears to point directly toward a “Call to
Action” or ‘Call for Change.” When things are looking bleak and life is
wreaking havoc, making an effort toward turning the situation around means
there is hope in life.
Sometimes
finding a positive solution or paving a pathway for living positively in any
environment means making a clear decision to do so, followed by a call to
action within ourselves to work toward making it happen. Yes, as often as not
we have to make it happen just as we would when we make our own happiness;
because we understand that no one can actually make us happy, only contribute
to the happiness we already have. In the midst of chaos we are faced with
making choices to improve our situation or wallow around within it. With some,
misery loves company. With others, chaos begets initiative. If we do not like
our condition, we can move past it by making that call for action, a call for
change.
In
contemplating this week’s events, my thoughts are focused on the importance of
keeping our eyes on the prize, looking up, keeping the chin up, working toward
improving any given circumstance and staying the course despite it all. Choosing
to remain positive, calm, cool and collected in times of strife and uncertainty
pushes us toward a more joyful existence with meaning and purpose.
I
would like to encourage a call to action, which centers on positive well-being
for self and others. By doing so, we can improve individual and collective
circumstances for the better part of the whole.
Remember,
Be Cool, Be Positive!
Cheers!
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20120628002728AADLp5J¹
(Viewed on 8/2/ 2015)
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Black+and+Silver+Flag²
(Viewed on 8/2/ 2015)
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