SUNNY PAGE UP: Do your best and spread goodness around you
6 mins read

SUNNY PAGE UP: Do your best and spread goodness around you

Over the past year, headings on war, climate disasters and inequality have left many of us who know us powerless and question whether we can make any difference. It is difficult to argue against regrets that the world is unfair, unequal and that – try as hard as we can – it often feels like nothing can be done to make a difference.

The reality we face is not always comfortable to admit: We live in a world of sharp inequalities and challenging injustice. Some start their journey with benefits that others may never know, while others meet obstacles that seem insurmountable. Yet within this seemingly unfair distribution of wealth lies a deep truth that Dutch existential philosopher Prof Emmy van Deurzen formulates well: While we may not be equal, we have each “huge resources” to live in a way to help Create something good after all the problem we see. This perspective helps us to realize that, even in a world that often feels overwhelming, everyone has the power to shape our immediate surroundings.

In our daily interactions, we all affect the world around us. Whether it offers a thought -provoking word to lift the mood of a colleague, really listen to a troubled friend or perform small acts of kindness, our actions can be rippled through our communities.

These gestures may seem less to global challenges, but they show our ability to create meaning and purpose where it is most important. Prof van Deurzen reminds us that even if the world is not fair, “you always have the ability to get the most of what you have received”.

This is not about blind optimism or ignores systemic problems. Instead, it is about admitting that even if we cannot control everything, we are far from powerless. In the moment of doubt, we can reflect on how meaningful changes often begin in the smallest spaces: our homes, workplaces and communities. These are the spheres where our influence is most profound and where our actions have significant emphasis.

In workplaces, we can support colleagues and advocate for positive changes. Within families, we can be more understanding and patient with each other. In communities, we can build connections that strengthen the bonds that hold us together. These contributions may not make headlines but they play a lot. They are the building blocks of society, the basis for social change and the source of hope for those who need it most.

A grandmother who teaches her grandchildren their mother tongue not only preserves language – she builds bridges between generations and cares for a love for cultural understanding that will continue for a long time into the future. We might think of a friend who notices when someone is not really themselves and takes time for a proper conversation, not just a brief “how are you?” Even small gestures of attention and care can cheer up someone’s day.

The beauty of such actions lies in their accessibility – they do not require big gestures, just the willingness to notice and respond to the people around us. Every little action of kindness or moment of genuine connection becomes part of a larger weave of care and society. Even in our moments of doubt or uncertainty, we can find meaning in simple actions: to help a colleague navigate in a challenging project, share our skills with those who can benefit or be present to someone who goes through difficult times.

In these moments of connection and support, we often find that the action creates its own form of abundance. It reminds us that true wealth is not just about what we have, but about moments we can share and create together. As Prof van Deurzen says, engaging in the challenges of life is not about achieving perfection. Rather, it is about embracing our ability to make a difference exactly where we are, with all the resources and abilities we have.

As the celebration of the Chinese New Year develops around us, we may be able to re -form prosperity not only as a personal profit but as the collective wealth we create through our actions towards each other. If we feel at a loss when we confront the world’s problems, it helps to remember that the fabric of the world starts with what each of us contributes.

We will all make mistakes and helpful choices sometimes – it is part of being human. What is important is our commitment to try our best and contribute what we can with the abilities we have.

By focusing on our immediate surroundings, we find that small changes can make a big difference over time. We can all do something to lift each other up and create a chain reaction of positive influence.

To counteract the feeling overwhelmed by global issues, it is good to remember that meaningful change often starts small. As Prof van Deurzen reminds us: “What you can do to yourself and those around you, if you put your heart in it, will be enough. You don’t have to let others make you feel guilty for what you have – simply pay attention to doing your best and spreading goodness around you. “


Sunny Side Up -columnist Sandy Clarke has long had an interest in emotion, mental health, mindfulness and meditation. He believes that the more we understand ourselves and each other, the better communities we can create. If you have any questions or comments, e-mail [email protected]. The views expressed here are entirely the author’s own.