Bring Light Into the World

Wash the Dishes

I believe that we all have a responsibility to bring more light into the world. And I believe that this starts with the dishes.

Not Your Dishes, I’m talking about the dishes

in the sink at work. You know. the brown mugs. The sticky forks. The Tupperware with the warped red cover. The plates that people leave in the sink, hoping that someone will come along and magically clean them.

That magical person is you.

Let me tell you why. Making the world a better place is a big project. Especially for one person. You can’t singlehandedly release the hostages, rebuild Gaza, resolve global warming and rectify unfair tariffs. Sure, you can can vote, and I urge you to do so, but on the other 364 days of the year I don’t want you to throw your hands up in despair and say there is nothing you can do.

There is something you can do,

that we all can do. We can make our small corner of the world a better place. We can do something selfless, not because we want or need recognition but just because we want to contribute to the greater good.

For example, the dishes.

If you work at home, and you live alone, communal dishes may not apply. Maybe for you, this would be about picking up trash at your local beach. Or sweeping the lobby of your building. Or calling someone who doesn’t get a lot of social contact.

The point is

there are very small tasks that we can all perform that will make the world a better place. We don’t need recognition, or accolades or to teach someone a lesson. We need to keep busy, and we need to contribute.

This doesn’t mean

being a doormat. If you believe you are being treated unfairly at work or at home, that is a different conversation. I’m talking about a scenario where things are more or less fine in both sectors and you walk by the kitchen and notice a few dishes. I’m saying, clean them. No big announcements, no “your mother doesn’t work here” posters. Just quietly take care of it.

Persistence can be tough.

Especially in January (February). Especially if you’ve had more than your share of rejections recently. But one way to keep going is to feel like you are contributing to the greater good in at least one aspect of your life. And what could be simpler than a few suds and a sponge?

You have the power to bring light into the world. Through your writing, yes, but also through your good deeds.

Now roll up your sleeves and get to work.

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash