I like to think I am an activist, but I often think about all the areas in which I could be doing more. I try to bring reusable cups and straws for my coffee, but feel guilty on days I forget. I try my best to think with intersectionality in mind, but sometimes I neglect to acknowledge my own privileges. I try to donate to organizations that are meaningful to me, but am sometimes reminded that I can’t swing a few dollars because I am a college student. It can be frustrating when doing the best you can doesn’t feel like enough.
A few months ago I saw a viral Instagram post by Carla Borthwick (@carlaaajane) that was really reassuring that touched on this feeling. It said:
To the climate change activists who aren’t attentive to fast fashion, thank you. To the person who uses metal straws to save fish but consumes animals, I’d like to say thank you. To the vegan who isn’t aware of our homelessness problem, thank you. To the climate change activists who aren’t attentive to fast fashion, thank you. To the girl who gives her old clothes to the disadvantaged but isn’t educated on sex trafficking, thank you. To the guy who picks up rubbish on his way home from a surf but isn’t well-informed about male suicide rates, thank you. To the people who stand up for horse racing concerns but are uninformed of the cruelty of the dairy industry, thank you. To the positive Instagram influencer who hasn’t cultivated a plastic-free lifestyle, thank you. To the grandparents who knit for sick children but aren’t up to date with current race and homophobic issues, thank you. To the students that stand up for bullying but are unaware of the constant domestic violence epidemic, thank you.
To the peace activists, feminists, animal adopters, teachers, volunteers, foster carers, recyclers, givers, doers and believers, I say thank you.
We are all on a different path and we all see through different eyes. Current world issues that you are passionate about, aren’t always what other people are trying to change… and that’s okay.
It’s not everyone’s job to save every part of the world but it is everyone’s responsibility to thank every person who is doing THEIR part to save the world.
Don’t critique, just appreciate.
Don’t judge, just educate.
We’re all trying our best.
Thank you.
I think the message she is sharing has some important reminders. First, your efforts are significant, even if you aren’t informed in all areas. Second, you should thank people for what they do… So, thank you for trying your best and know that your efforts matter!