Someone Should Read This
- Photo By Kenny Louie
I was running along the sea wall Thursday morning – the False Creek South side with the sloping bricks, not the downtown side. I run by an overturned garbage bin that had been thrown onto the slope, between the sea wall and the water. Someone should pick that up.
I stop running and look back at the garbage that is swarming with wasps and flies.
It’s too late though, I said the words and now I’ve got to climb down the slope, avoid cracking my head open and drag the garbage bin back up. All because I said those magic words, someone should.
This is your city, your country and your world. If you don’t take responsibility who will? There are two kinds of people on this planet: Those who look for someone else to blame or take responsibility and those who step up and create the world as they want it to be. If you’re reading this I know you are the second kind, even if you haven’t always been living that way.
The same way I trapped myself the moment I said someone should, you are now trapped. You will never again be able to say or hear someone should without a part of your saying that someone is me. Listen to that voice.
-Dan Johnston
Amen, brotha!
I have been that someone and have had strange looks passed my way when I have cleaned up a park or around a bus stop and all I can say is how good it felt to do something not just for myself but for the city and my neighbours.
As Ghandi said,” Be the change you wish to see in the world”.
I’m happy to know that there are people who realize that the world is what you make it, and that it takes a little effort and care to make positive changes. YAY!!
Thank you for taking ownership!
Even if no one recognizes your contributions, knowing yourself that you made a small change should be encouraging to you. Yes, it is a lonely path, but you have made a profound effect, without even realizing it.
I was getting takeout from a great restaurant on Denman Boxing Day and while I was waiting I picked up the Elated News. I smiled within the first few sentences. Thank you for that. I am now hooked. This is exactly the medium Vancouver needed!