Stories for World Thinking Day.

Yesterday was World Thinking Day, and I'm grateful to my friend Lynnea, t of Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachias, for inviting me to speak to a group of Girl Scouts earning their World Thinking Day badge.
 
Often, we want to make the world better, but can feel powerless, unsure of how or where to begin. What impresses me about the Girl Scouts (and Girl Guides around the world) is their proactive approach—initiating activities, participating in group discussions, and envisioning possibilities for the changes they wish to see.
 
I also had the opportunity to share stories about the sheroes in my own family, particularly my late mother, reflecting on her fearlessness and love for all. I appreciate the thoughtful questions the Girl Scouts had.
 
Earlier this week involved some tough but necessary breaking the silence conversations with many of my global peacebuilding peers. I know maintaining hope can be challenging, especially when we’re witnessing the dismantling of so much historical good work by some not-so-nice individuals globally. Nevertheless, what sustains my hope is the presence of these young emerging leaders in our midst. They’re consistently imagining how to make the world a fairer and better place for everyone.
 
I am also proud to have earned my World Thinking Day badge on the same day they earned theirs! … I have placed it on my sacred shrine—as a reminder to hold onto hope, and thinking, as a crucial starting point for imagining a world that is possible.

Thanks to Girl Scouts and Girl Guides worldwide for your creative and imaginative thought leadership! If the Girl Scouts aren’t giving up, then neither am I.