Are we the architects of our own disasters?

I’d like to suggest that yes, collectively, we often create problems that have a ripple effect…and forget that we were the ones who threw the stones in the water in the first place.

When we abandon self-reflection, we lose perspective. And in these isolated times, it’s easy for us to do nothing but stare at our belly buttons but not explore our habits…and lose sight of the bigger picture.

Take the Ever Given as an example.

We were all frustrated that a random act of nature interrupted the global economy, but did we let it sink in – yes, pun intended – that we were part of the problem?

That our consumption is part of the problem?

What happens when we shed personal responsibility?

For those of you who have been artfully dodging the news lately – can’t blame you – the Ever Given is a container ship loaded with cargo destined for North America and Europe. It is as long as the Empire State Building is tall. So, big.

It was blown off-course in the Suez Canal by an unexpected storm. It ran aground, got stuck in the sand, and blocked one of the most lucrative shipping routes in the world for six long days. 

After a monumental effort by Egyptian, Dutch and Italian tugboats and some dedicated excavation crews, they freed the boat. Now, it’s sitting in Great Bitter Lake in Egypt while authorities sort out the details…

There are so many ways of setting that ship free, and some contradict each other….and some worked in tandem.

None of these activities dismantle the systems that cause the problem over and over again, though. With all that is happening in the world right now, I couldn’t let this moment pass.

On my own – with my shovel and inspirational quotes– I am not going to solve all of the world’s problems. But it’s still the right thing to do. It is, at least the least, I could do.

Because we are the architects of our own challenges.

Solutions have to begin with you.

Who was to blame for a marine accident that stalled nearly 400 other ships, didn’t claim any lives, but cost the global economy billions?

That remains to be seen.

But it should make us stop and consider our consumption habits and also contemplate patterns we tolerate, even when they fly in the face of our moral compass.

Digging out the propeller, drudging the shallow banks, pushing on the sides of the boat, and even unloading the cargo on a ship already out to sea are terribly difficult and unrewarding jobs that collectively worked.

So, can we explore the possibility that diversity, equity, and tolerance can begin with a single person’s dedication to the cause?

When you look at the tiny excavators and tugboats that freed a massive vessel, heavily laden with cargo destined for Europe and North America, aren’t you inspired?

On their own, none of those excavators or tugboats could have set it free…but, together, they moved a man-made island.

When you’re considering the impact you have – based on your moral compass – keep in mind that you’re not sailing by yourself. You have to be willing to embark on uncomfortable conversations and challenge people’s biases…but in a kind, collaborative and compassionate way.

And, here comes the cliché.

It’s not the destination. It’s the journey.

There, I said it.

But I look at the people who are part of my book club, and they’re all pursuing a step-by-step process of self-reflection and personal responsibility. It isn’t going to end systemic oppression overnight. But at least we have a running dialogue.

My own biases and habits may, in fact, unconsciously support the same systems I am trying to dismantle at times. I’m willing to explore them. 

Would you like to start a conversation with us? Contact me, and we’ll get started.