This is going to be a particularly difficult year for our southern neighbors. The floods in Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee coupled with the oil spill in the Gulf are almost more than anyone who loves nature can bear. And this isn't the end, all too soon, the annual spate of hurricanes that invariably hit the southern states will be added to the mix very soon. It's going to take decades to regroup.
While the experts work feverishly to right the wrongs, we who watch the news can only imagine the magnitude of the impact of the natural and man-made tragedies that are playing out. If you have a job and can dig deeper into your pocket, the American Red Cross has set up disaster relief and welcomes money.
But, what if you're dealing with your own disasters at home? Challenges in job strapped Illinois , Indiana and other states continue and financial resources have been drawn thin. You may not have money to donate to these and other causes.
Don't throw up your hands yet.
The world is much like the human body. When it suffers trauma of any kind…even a localized cut…it becomes imperative that the general health of the entire organism be strengthened. And while money certainly helps there's a whole lot more that needs to take place if the imbalances are to be corrected.
The impact of natural and man-made disasters are far reaching. What goes on in other parts of the world will impact each of us sooner or later. Like throwing a stone in a pond we'll see far reaching impact in our economy and in our environment. More jobs will be lost, resources that rely on the stability of that part of the world will become more expensive and precious man-power will be worn thin as the experts rush fill the desperate needs of those who are hardest hit.
If you're one of those who can see no way to make a difference. Don't despair. Your efforts at home can help. It's more important than ever for each of us to do what we can to stabilize our little corners of the world. How?
Look for ways to become more self-sufficient.
Do you have a pocket handkerchief piece of land? Plant some seeds. Feed the birds. Clean up the trash that clutters your own neighborhood. If you don't have that, look for community effort, maybe a community garden in your own neighborhood.
Look for ways to spruce up your neighborhood and build community. Find those people who have the energy and will to make your corner of the world more nature friendly and those who have the skills and energy to contribute.
Don't let anyone tell you that your efforts and input don't count. You can make a difference…a real difference beyond just the money.