Choose One Thing

Modern Day Good Samaritan and Merton’s Epiphany, Acrylic and oil pastel on canvas, 36 × 48 inches, by Susan E. Brooks, will be on display at the “Advocacy” Exhibition at Mosaic Galleryfrom March 28 to June 13, 2025. For the story behind the painting, go to this link.

When the world seems full of insanity, you don’t need to solve every problem, but you can choose one thing. Choosing one good action can help you navigate the choppy waters of difficult times.

Instead of drowning in anxiety about the future or mourning the loss of the past, focus on the next right, helpful step. Find a face-to-face opportunity within your local community. Don’t try to influence the entire universe; instead, you can serve the needy, the lonely, or the disempowered in your community.

Choose one issue that breaks your heart, and see if you can do one thing to help. Volunteer to help mentor children, visit a nursing home, serve in a church food kitchen or a shelter, or help refugees learn English.

I Will Not Be Silent, oil pastel and collage on matt board, 18 × 24 inches, by Susan E. Brooks, will be on display at the “Advocacy” Exhibition at Mosaic Gallery from March 28 to June 13, 2025.

Acting upon these ideas gave me hope. I too felt overwhelmed and helpless, but I chose one thing to do, and I felt a bit better. I want to think about the common good. I want to make a difference. I know you do too.

Choose one thing.