Creating The World We Want to See

As we all know I like to reflect on things a lot. Probably too much; but it's me and I've always been the same and I'm not going to change now!

One of the things that I've spent a lot of time considering is why does the leadership of the world and the conversations we have about the world we want to see feel so very distant from my values and the world I want to see.

From austerity to a constant focus on economic growth. From perceived fear of nationhood from outsiders or a feeling of being under attack from 'outside' forces. What has gone so badly wrong in out national psyche that we're ok with our Home Secretary talking about taking tents off homeless people?

Sometimes it feels all bit hopeless doesn't it? Like it's all too big for us to change and we end up sticking our heads down and just trying to get on with our day to day lives. I get that, I do it, it's exhausting feeling like you're fighting a losing battle and sometimes it's just easier to pretend it's not happening.

I want to talk a little about how we got here as a society though and how we might make steps towards shaping a world we want to live in.

When you turn on discussions about countries or politicians, especially around election time all you'll hear is discussions about 'the economy'. It wasn't really until the latter half of the 20th Century that became the main focus of discussion but now every conversation is dominated by 'if we want strong services we need a strong economy' 'how are you going to pay for that project you want to do'

There's less discussion about what makes people happy or their lives better and more about how we balance books. As though running a country is merely about managing an accounting ledger and if we do that everyone will be fine.

Alongside that we've had a loss of collective society that connects us with each other. Ever since Margaret Thatcher famously said 'There's no such thing as society' journalists and politicians tend to look at problem around what does it mean for an individual rather than will this make life better on the whole for everyone.

As my friend Fiona said to me on Friday, 'People are digitally connected but socially isolated'. That means we also don't hear the stories of people we're not connected to as much, we don't hear about the trials and tribulations that others have faced and so see the world through a lens that can sometimes feel unfair to us because we don't see that it's worth it for everyone.

The political world values the individual and financial far more than the collective and welfare of citizens. And as long as we keep looking at the problems society faces through that same lens we're going to get the same answers.

We need to start telling a different story. We need to think about what our values as a country are. Do we want everything to have an economic value or a productivity or do we want to recognise that somethings have worth beyond financial measures. Empathy, kindness, compassion, learning, curiosity. These all on the face of it don't have much financial benefit but they will make us as a nation happier. I'd of course argue that a happy country is going to produce better economic output too but the output is secondary to that happiness not the primary aim. It means that we look after each other, support each other, connect with each other rather than allow an every person for themselves attitude.

So next time you're thinking about a policy or project in politics I want to challenge you to not think 'How will this make the country better off?' but instead ask 'How will this make people happier?' Demand of our politicians that they give us a vision of compassion and care for each other not just one of an accountant with an abacus.

Role model this in your personal lives too. Don't think about how a situation will benefit you but think about how it will make those around you happier and ultimately that will make you happier too!

Random post today but it's been on my mind. As always love to hear your thoughts

Ellie