Our House is on Fire

We all have moments from our past, decisions that we've made that even years later we still wonder about, still question.

"What would've happened if I had done things differently?"

The big decisions we recognise in the moment, we know the magnitude and the weight they carry moving forward. What we might have lost if we hadn't made the decision to act. Sometimes people come into our lives at just the right time. Preparing us for the future, whatever it might hold. But I think, the most difficult decisions we are faced with, are not about success or failure but finding the courage to simply try.

Normally at this time of year I like to review the year that has passed. List out all of the things that have brought me joy. All my achievements. Everything the world has recognised me for.

But this year, what comes to mind is a post I wrote last year about how there isn't enough time for all the bullshit. How we need to cut through all the talk and focus on essentials.

 When I think about my resolutions this year, I can see I still agree with that sentiment. But more so.

At the start of the year a young person in Sweden pointed out that our house is on fire.

Since then, people across the world have taken plenty of time to talk about why it's not their fault, why the issue is more complex than a child of her limited understanding can comprehend, and if she goes back to school, she can study enough to help provide a good solution several years in the future.

At the end of this year, there are photographs all over the internet of the country I have made my home, literally burning to the ground.

The time for talking is passed.

 The issues are complex. But they are also very simple. The world is burning. Hot is getting so much hotter. Cold is getting so much colder. And we need to act now if we are going to do anything to stop the mass extinction that will inevitably be caused if we do not.

 For the politicians seeking to filibuster their remaining time clinging to power - I ask you to think about why you do what you do, and if you are making the contribution you hoped for.

For the public - I ask you to Vote for Greens. In most modern democracies, the sensible directive would be the VOTE for the Opposition - show your dismay for the lack of action by firmly kicking out those who sleep while we burn. But the Opposition is also slumbering. I agree with the children. We need dramatic change. We must overthrow all those that seek to retain power for the sake of power - and vote for those that hold true to the idea that our future generations are worth saving. Our world is worth saving. If everyone votes that way, then it is possible.

For those eating meat. Eat less. Give it up if you can, eat less if you aren't there yet. There is enough food in the world for everyone. But people are starving. Inequity is part of the complexity of the problem. Look it up, I'm not going baby you by spoon-feeding you info that you aren't going to believe unless you do the research for yourself.

Take public transport more. I know, it's often cheaper to fly than to go on the train or bus (Ask yourself how that can be possible? Who is funding that and why?), and more tax efficient to drive than share a train with hundreds of others(why is that?). Be more conscious of your choices.

Plant more trees. Look up which ones consume more C02 and produce more Oxygen. Research which ones give back more to the environment, repair more, which ones are best suited for the country in which you live.

For me, I'm going to focus even more on what's important. I'm done with grinding. Anyone who knows me can validate the fact that I don't believe people should work for 40 years in jobs they hate just to earn enough coin to get by. I believe people should ask themselves what they love to do, and pursue a career path that allows them to do what they love and get paid to do it. I don't just believe it's possible, I believe it's essential. But I know plenty of people will try and convince you that's a dream. Do not listen to those people, they are not your friends.

But more than that - in your every day job there is plenty of busy-work that people expect you to do. You can keep busy doing that the whole day and still not have contributed anything worth talking about. Anything worth remembering. There are people who never do that work, and they don't get in much trouble for it. Rule breakers get shit done. In school they teach you to colour inside the lines because it's easier if most people do as they are told. That makes room for those who refuse to do so to innovate, to do the unexpected, to change the world.

Too many of us are content to be quiet. To trust that those in authority are living up to their responsibilities and doing what they promised. But that little Swedish girl is right. No-one is too small to make a difference. If she can do it… surely we can too.