Embrace Your Civic Duty

A few weeks ago, I got up one morning to find the neighbourhood's manhole cover out of place, an unsightly mess of waste, wet wipes, and unpleasant odours spilling over, blocking my path. I spent the next hour with gumboots and a spade, controlling my gag reflex while I scraped everything back into the manhole, hosed the area down, and then contacted the municipality to come through and unblock the drain.

I was tempted to be frustrated, complain about my situation, and point fingers at my neighbours. But then I remembered the Stoic concept of sympatheia, the idea that we are all interconnected and have a responsibility towards one another as human beings living on Earth, sharing similar experiences, breathing the same (smelly) air. This wasn't my fault, but the manhole cover was on my property, making it my responsibility to address it. So, I played "Perseverance" by Michele McLaughlin and set to work.

We often face situations where we must choose between complaining about a problem or take action to deal with it. We can choose the path of resentment and frustration or roll up our sleeves and tackle life's messier situations head-on, considering the lessons we can take from the experience.

First, we must be mindful of our actions and their consequences. Tossing wet wipes down the drain may not seem like a big deal, but it clogs sewage systems and negatively impacts the environment. It's important to dispose of waste responsibly and consider the impact our actions may have on those around us. One day, we may be the neighbour on the receiving end of a displeasing mess.

Secondly, we need to consider the environmental implications of our choices. We live in a time with plenty of eco-friendly options, enabling us to make eco-conscious decisions. If we use wet wipes, we should use biodegradable ones that break down much faster. We should discard or compost them, not flush them down the toilet. Every conscious choice we make, like recycling or composting or eating less meat, allows us to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come.

Finally, we should embrace the challenges life throws at us. Cleaning up sewage may not be everyone's idea of a good time, but with the right attitude, even unpleasant tasks can become bearable if not enjoyable. Put on an inspiring song and get to work on making a positive difference in your community.

Our civic duty extends beyond merely obeying laws and paying taxes; it encompasses taking responsibility for and contributing towards the well-being of our communities. We can complain or take action to improve the circumstances. We can be responsible neighbours, making eco-friendly choices and adopting a positive attitude towards challenges. We can all contribute to creating a cleaner, more vibrant world for everyone to enjoy.

So, next time you encounter a less-than-ideal situation in your community, roll up your sleeves and embrace your civic duty.

After all, we're in this together.

Until next week,

Ric

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