@jayhelping
Originally posted to deafferret on 2013-12-07.
I now have 2 accounts on Twitter. The new one is @jayhelping. Since someone asked “why?” I’ll try to answer the question.
I’ve grown restless over the years. I have a great life with a great family in a great house with great toys and plenty to eat. I have a great job and good friends. I take amazing vacations to exotic places, almost as frequently as I want to, given that I work full time.
Life is great. Life is easy. And we are helping others (primarily via Kiva) with some of our disposable income. Fantastic.
But I see photos of millions of refugees who have nothing. It hurts my heart.
And I see photos of people that are there. Helping. I’m amazed. I wonder why I’m not there. Somewhere. Doing something.
We’re wasting BILLIONS of dollars every week in America. Surely I can help divert a sliver of that to help some people in desperate need.
I know I can’t “save” everyone. I’m just one dude.
I’m almost 40. I’m healthy. I’m strong. I have some skills. I want to try to help.
But why two accounts on Twitter?
Oh, right, sorry. I forgot the question. I’ve noticed in my original Twitter feed that most people, including me, are self absorbed most of the time. They give a shit about what they had for lunch today, or which new gadget they should buy.
There’s nothing wrong with that. (?)
Mother Theresa probably hated some new toothpaste she got, and I would have LOVED to read a tweet from her about that. :)
But I don’t want to read or post those tweets all of the time. I want to make a space where I’m focused on the needs of others. In that space I won’t whine about life when so many other people have real problems.
In that space I plan to opt out of the endless and unwinnable spiral of materialism. I plan to opt out of the infinite entertainment treadmill so many of the modern wealthy dedicate their entire lives to.
Wish me luck. And stay tuned for updates. :)