Volunteers at a Sikh temple helping to prepare food that will be given free to the needy. As celebrations of Chinese New Year unfold around us, perhaps we can reimagine prosperity not just as personal gain but as the collective wealth we create through our actions towards each other. If we feel at a loss when confronting the world’s problems, it helps to remember that the world’s fabric begins with what each of us contributes. — Filepic/The Star
Over the past year, headlines about wars, climate disasters, and inequality have left many of us feeling powerless, questioning if we can make any difference. It’s difficult to argue against laments that the world is unfair, unequal, and that – try as hard as we might – it often feels like nothing can be done to make a difference.
The reality we face isn’t always comfortable to acknowledge: we live in a world of stark inequalities and challenging injustices. Some begin their journey with advantages others might never know, while others face hurdles that seem insurmountable. Yet within this seemingly unfair distribution of fortune lies a profound truth that Dutch existential philosopher Prof Emmy van Deurzen articulates well: While we might not be equal, we each possess “enormous resources” to live in a way that helps create something good despite all the problems we see. This perspective helps us recognise that, even in a world that often feels overwhelming, we each have the power to shape our immediate surroundings.
In our daily interactions, we all influence the world around us. Whether it’s offering a thoughtful word to lift a colleague’s spirits, truly listening to a troubled friend, or performing small acts of kindness, our actions can ripple through our communities.
These gestures might seem minor against global challenges, but they demonstrate our ability to create meaning and purpose where it matters most. Prof van Deurzen reminds us that while the world isn’t fair, “You always have the ability to make the most of what you have been given”.
This isn’t about blind optimism or ignoring systemic problems. Instead, it’s about recognising that while we can’t control everything, we are far from powerless. In moments of doubt, we might 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 carry significant weight.
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 might not make headlines but they matter a great deal. They’re the building blocks of community, the foundation of social change, and the source of hope for those who need it most.
A grandmother teaching her grandchildren their mother tongue isn’t just preserving language – she’s building bridges between generations, nurturing a love for cultural understanding that will carry on long into the future. We might think of a friend who notices when someone’s not quite themselves and takes time for a proper conversation, not just a cursory “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 don’t require grand gestures, just the willingness to notice and respond to the people around us. Each small act of kindness or moment of genuine connection becomes part of a larger tapestry of care and community. Even in our moments of doubt or uncertainty, we can find meaning in simple acts: helping a colleague navigate a challenging project, sharing our skills with those who might benefit, or being present for someone going through difficult times.
In these moments of connection and support, we often discover that the act of giving creates its own form of abundance. It reminds us that true wealth isn’t just about what we possess, but about moments we’re able to share and create together. As Prof van Deurzen says, engaging with life’s challenges isn’t about achieving perfection. Rather, it’s about embracing our capacity to make a difference exactly where we are, using whatever resources and abilities we possess.
As celebrations of Chinese New Year unfold around us, perhaps we can reimagine prosperity not just as personal gain but as the collective wealth we create through our actions towards each other. If we feel at a loss when confronting the world’s problems, it helps to remember that the world’s fabric begins with what each of us contributes.
We’ll all make mistakes and unhelpful choices at times – it’s part of being human. What matters is our commitment to trying our best and contributing what we can with the abilities we have.
By focusing on our immediate surroundings, we discover that small changes can make a big difference over time. We can all do something to lift each other up, creating a chain reaction of positive influence.
To counteract feeling overwhelmed by global issues, it’s helpful to remember that meaningful change often starts small. As Prof van Deurzen reminds us: “What you can accomplish for yourself and those around you, if you put your heart into it, will be sufficient. You need not allow others to make you feel guilty for what you have – simply be attentive to doing your best and spreading goodness around you.”
Sunny Side Up columnist Sandy Clarke has long held an interest in emotions, mental health, mindfulness and meditation. He believes the more we understand ourselves and each other, the better societies we can create. If you have any questions or comments, e-mail lifestyle@thestar.com.my. The views expressed here are entirely the writer's own.