When the world overwhelms and you feel small: transforming despair into purpose
Every day, we’re hit with a flood of heartbreaking news: wars destroying lives, economic and political problems breaking hopes, poverty leading to suffering, racism splitting us apart, crime taking lives and spreading fear, and climate change threatening our future. It's overwhelming, making us feel like we're drowning in the world's pain, and questioning if we can truly make a difference in the face of vast challenges.
We dream of a world that is kinder, happier, and more just, but we feel powerless to make any real change. We want to help, but we feel like we're just a single drop in the ocean.
We often believe we must become 'more' or 'bigger' to make a difference. These doubts paralyse us, making us question our worth and capabilities. So, we retreat; we don’t even try. And then, guilt sets in.
This vicious cycle disconnects us—not just from the world, but from our potential to influence it.
The feeling that our individual efforts are too small to make a difference can be daunting. But it’s possible to transform this despair into one of action and hope.
Imagine waking up each day with the belief that your feelings, no matter how overwhelming, serve a purpose.
Imagine maintaining compassion without drowning in the world’s pain.
Imagine that even the tiniest efforts can create significant ripples of change.
Imagine shifting from a sense of helplessness to serving with purpose.
So, for anyone who feels lost in the vastness of the world's problems and questions their impact, here are practical steps to ease these feelings, reconnect with the world and others, reignite hope, and move forward with purpose, regardless of how insignificant your steps may seem.
1. Transform emotions into purpose.
I've experienced intense anger in response to injustices, from racism to violations of women's rights. This fury fuels my involvement in causes I believe in—it's my drop in the ocean. My sorrow for those suffering ignites my compassion, driving me to alleviate their pain. Instead of allowing that sorrow to consume me, I channel it into acts of kindness, instrumental or emotional support, or writing about their struggles.
Emotions are not judgments on our worth or abilities. They are signals, a call to action, a prompt to shift our perspective. Anger, sadness, inadequacy, helplessness—they all exist for a reason. They indicate that we care deeply, that we have a burning desire to contribute meaningfully, that we’re driven to correct injustices. These emotions are natural responses to life's complexities and hardships. Denying them only strengthens their hold. So, we need to ask ourselves: what are they trying to tell us?
Our emotions can be challenging, but they can also be a source of strength. By tuning into their messages, we can channel them into creativity and positive action. This isn't about suppressing our feelings but about harnessing their energy constructively.
2. Don’t fall into the gratitude trap.
“You should be grateful for your life and stop feeling bad about what is going on. There are people who are really struggling.”
This common, unsolicited advice implies that our feelings are invalid and suggests that gratitude should eliminate any sadness.
Resist this notion. While it's true that others suffer greatly, this doesn't negate our own feelings. We can be upset or angry and still be grateful for what we have. Ignoring our emotions doesn’t eliminate them. Gratitude and pain can coexist
Life is nuanced, allowing space for many feelings at the same time. Our struggles and emotions are real. We don’t need to measure our hardships against others to justify them. Everyone’s experiences are unique and significant.
3. Lean into perspective-taking instead of taking in all the pain.
The suffering in the world is immense, too vast for any one person to shoulder alone. Attempting to absorb it all can be debilitating. As a mental health practitioner, I have learned that to truly care and act, we don’t need to fully immerse ourselves in others' pain. Without making this distinction, we risk collapsing under compassion fatigue.
To lighten the emotional burden, shift towards understanding others' situations through perspective-taking. That means trying to see their side rather than feel their pain directly. For some, this may not come easy, and might feel guilty for not completely engaging with others’ emotions. When I began my training as a therapist, I experienced this guilt myself. But taking another’s perspective—looking at what they might be going through—is still a form of empathy, one that can be more sustainable.
To practice perspective-taking instead of feeling the pain, concentrate on the good you can do (or are already doing), rather than the overwhelming scope of the problem. This helps create a healthy detachment necessary for effective action, allowing us to remain connected to, yet separate from, the events unfolding.
4. Redefine service to free it from herculean acts.
I was once invited to give a speech on virtues to a class of 14–15-year-old students in Windsor. During our discussion about taking individual and collective action to create change, a student asked, “Isn’t solving big problems the job of rich people with a lot of influence?”
I loved that question because it reflects the mindset of not only young people but many adults as well.
We often think that making a significant impact is a heroic task reserved for those with "special" skills or abundant resources. True giving is not about material things. Service is not just for the chosen elite. It doesn’t come from a position of power. It comes from a place of values and doesn’t have to be grand to be significant. We can contribute to a cause despite our limitations or weaknesses.
To navigate the sense of powerlessness and gain the strength to act, we need to reframe what it means to make an impact. Think of it as an act of giving without focusing on the size of the act. Service is about everyday actions that collectively make a profound difference. It’s in the courage to act even when it feels insignificant.
5. Acknowledge the power of incremental change.
Change doesn't always manifest as a dramatic shift; rather, it evolves through the persistent incremental efforts of those who choose to act despite their uncertainties. Each act of service, each stand for justice, and every effort to educate ourselves and others builds a gradual, yet unstoppable tide of change. As the Dalai Lama humorously pointed out, “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”
Consider the story of Alexandra "Alex" Scott, a young girl diagnosed with neuroblastoma who, at four years old, set up a lemonade stand to raise money for cancer research. Her initial stand raised $2,000. Inspired by her determination, others joined her cause, and by the time she passed away at age eight, she had raised over $1 million. Today, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation continues to honour her legacy, raising millions more for cancer research.
Our actions, whether big or small, influence one another because we are all connected. The sense of making a difference begins with recognising this interconnectedness. As we serve and add value to the lives of others, no matter the scale, we begin to see ourselves as part of something larger than our individual selves. And with that, we feel more connected, discover more meaning.
Making a difference is about doing what we can with what we have—our resources and our limitations. It’s about valuing our efforts, understanding that combined with others, they make a significant impact. We don’t need to be perfect or have all the answers. It’s about showing up, doing what we can, and trusting that our actions will create ripples.
6. Find causes that align with what you truly care about.
With countless causes and pressing issues demanding attention, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. The key is to identify a cause that resonates deeply with you—one that you’re genuinely passionate about. This passion will fuel your commitment, making your efforts both fulfilling and sustainable.
But while you might be passionate about multiple issues, don’t burnout yourself out or reinforce feelings of helplessness by trying to tackle too many at once. Start by selecting one area where you believe you can make a meaningful impact. This focused approach helps you channel your energy and resources effectively, making your contributions more impactful.
Take time to research various causes and organisations. Reflect deeply on what resonates with you the most. Consider how your skills, interests, and experiences can be leveraged to benefit the cause. Equally important is being mindful of your own limitations and resources, such as how much time you can realistically devote.
Opportunities to serve are closer than we think. Look around your community for local organisations and initiatives that need support. Engaging with local causes not only allows you to see the direct impact of your efforts but also helps build a sense of community and connection. Collaboration can amplify your efforts and provide support and encouragement. Networking online with like-minded individuals and groups can introduce you to new opportunities and resources, making your efforts more effective and sustainable.
From helplessness to serving with passion
A young boy was walking along a beach where thousands of starfish had washed ashore. He began picking them up one by one and throwing them back into the ocean. A man approached him and said, "There are too many starfish. You can’t possibly make a difference." The boy picked up another starfish and threw it back into the sea. He smiled at the man and said, "I made a difference to that one."
This story of the young boy and the starfish serves as a powerful reminder when I feel overwhelmed and powerless.
The world needs our unique touch. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or the perfect cause. Start now, with what you have. Challenge the notion that small efforts don’t matter—they do. In the vast ocean of challenges, be that flicker of hope. Dare to believe that your actions, no matter how small, can spark a wave of change. Engage deeply. Serve with passion. Then, pause and reflect on the ripples you create every day. Many of them will be unknown to you, but they are there.
Lastly, nurture your empathy but also guard your heart. The world requires compassionate warriors, not individuals worn down by their burdens. Your empathy is a precious gift that must be managed with care. Don’t shy away from the world's pain, but don’t let it consume you either.
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