In the book, Steal Like An Artist, author Austin Kleon recounts that one night he was up late on his laptop and his wife yelled at him, “Quit picking fights on Twitter and go make something!”

For an artist, the challenge had been made. But what about the rest of us? If we quit responding to every vitriolic post on Facebook and Twitter, what would we have time to do?  Just as art enriches our world with beauty, we can make the world a better place with our kindness and steadfast love.

What are you going to do with your newfound time?

Write a thank you note to a friend?
Volunteer in the community or at church?
Cut an older neighbor’s grass?
Plan a neighborhood cookout to meet the people you don’t already know?
Volunteer at the public library to read to young children?
Join a class at the YMCA?
Volunteer at an animal shelter?
Write a book?
Teach ESL classes?

Instead of picking fights on social media about political postures on immigrants and refugees, I decided that I could do something in my community that would be positive instead of just picking fights with strangers. You’ll find me teaching English as a Second Language at Conexión Americás on Monday and Wednesday evenings this summer.

I’m getting back much more than I’m putting in.

Blessings,
Agatha