November Update: Success In A Digital Age
Though it feels like we live in uncertain times, there are certain aspects we need to consistently return to to remind ourselves that our lives are full of hope, wonder and possibility. As humans, we are biologically driven to seek out novelty–seeking out the next dopamine rush which floods us with “feel good” hormones. Social media gives us a dull version of this rush–novelty, yes; consistency, yes–but it isn’t anchored in our own selves and actions.
This is why altruism is, at its core, the Queen of the Feel Goods. When we do good things for others, or demonstrate kindness, thoughtfulness, awareness and presence to and towards those around us we are left with a genuine sense of accomplishment, success and hope.
One of my favorite poems is Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Success”:
To laugh often and love much;
To win the respect of intelligent persons
And the affection of children;
To earn the approbation of honest critics
And to endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To give of one’s self;
To leave the world a little better,
Whether by a healthy child,
A garden patch
Or a redeemed social condition;
To have played and laughed with enthusiasm
And sung with exultation;
To know that even one life has breathed easier
Because you have lived
This is to have succeeded.
There are quite a few lines we find ourselves quoting in one way or another at camp, either when we say, “we meet people where they are” (to find the best in others) or when we employ a “see-do” philosophy (to give of one’s self when you see something that needs to be done and you do it, regardless of whether it is your “job” or not). And my favorite is “to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived” because our job in this space is to support campers and staff in a way that allows them to “take a load off” and be able to be themselves in a healthy, safe, supportive environment.
And we know we can’t all work at or be at camp all of the time…so what can we do to cultivate “success” in the Emersonian sense in our daily lives: we can nurture hope and joy within ourselves. In her article “Feeling Hopeful When Everything Is Falling Apart,” Jancee Dunn shares that finding and cultivating hope “can be a radical act of rebellion against the fear and anxiety of modern life.”
From volunteering in your community to help others, to simply changing what, where, when and how you plug into news cycles, Ms. Dunn feels there are very tangible ways to build more hope, which builds more success and creates a better world for all of us…especially when we can’t be at camp immersing ourselves in the wonder of the natural world and in a supportive community that is wholesome, optimistic and always asking, “What can I do to help?”
So, during this season of giving–please think about giving of your actual self and presence and time–it will be as good for you as it will be for the organization or individuals you are supporting. It is the sort of success we all should be more proud of!
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