On social media it’s a trend each year: people sharing new year’s resolutions, their goals and dreams. Not me. However, I like the enthusiasm of some people who are looking forward to what will be ‘their year’. Health, work, career, business, friendships, relationships, everything will be better, improved and so on. It’s mostly about these topics, about them. Not something beyond themselves.
Since mid December I haven’t been that much on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) as before and I like it this way. I feel more positive and not distracted by, sorry, so much bullshit of other people and dramas in the world. I try to manage my time on these channels better (less often and shorter). This wasn’t a new year’s resolution though, but just a must-do step.
Bigger please?
Back to people’s new year’s resolutions, could we also have them regarding to something bigger than ourselves? Such as peace in all those countries that are burning. It’s more of a wish I know, because it needs actions, but what can WE do if we live so far from these burning countries? Yes, we can sign petitions and/or share information, but I have realised that sharing information isn’t always that innocent as it seems.
The past three months I have seen quite some people sharing news articles and messages about Israel and Palestine. Nearly everyone of them was either on the hand of Israel or on the hand of Palestine, sharing news that confirmed their chosen side. A bomb of information. Often so incredibly fanatical that they identify themselves with this war in Israel and Gaza, while mostly none of them knows the world of these two troubled people which isn’t theirs and will never be theirs.
‘Don’t look away’
I saw — and still see — war rhetoric moving from the battlefield to the West, lies being shared, fuelling hatred. People on social media on top of this information-war think they’re doing the right thing sharing news and stories that mostly highlight one people, because they’re doing something: they ‘don’t look away’. At least they think they do.
Irony
To me these actions only incite anger, hostility (to Israeli or Palestinians), hatred, anti-semitism (Jews say they don’t feel safe in The Netherlands anymore) and islamophobia. Ironically meanwhile asking for cease-fire, they continue the language of war in their own countries.
Speaking about peace. Speaking about our own circle of influence:
Peace starts at your plate. And you can still start. Remember, it’s never too late.
At the moment I’m in a writing mood. I write almost each day at least 1.000 words now I only have to look after myself (and some animals;). Dorus is in New Zealand visiting his family.
It’s mostly about simple and slow living. I’m just writing not with the intention to publish it somewhere, I keep it for myself for now. I’m very thankful I can do this these months.
Since October I light a candle each day, so next to me a candle is burning, the rocket stove keeps me warm and I listen to tunes that help me focus. But of course I can’t sit glued to my chair the whole day. The garden needs also more work (cauliflower and broccoli are doing great!) as it’s a bit wild at the moment. Also, emptying the compost-toilet and other tasks around our fincita make sure I’m not bored on my own.
I cherish this time by myself. It’s only two weeks since Dorus is away, so not sure how long the appreciation of this ‘alone time’ will last.
These things aren’t my new year’s resolutions, but just how to go further and deeper on this path of life. So no ‘new me’ to me.
If you’re looking to take new steps in this -still brandnew- year, beyond yourself, what about eating more plants and leaving the animals alive in 2024? Sounds not bad, right? I hope this video can inspire you to make this change:
Con Amor,
Eva
☆evalunes 