So last night, I did something new to me: I met with a family of Syrian refugees that I’m going to be tutoring in English. It’s the first time I’ve ever done anything like this, and I have to admit that I was hesitant about the idea. Meeting new people is awkward for me to begin with—meeting people new to the country, new to the language, AND new to me? That seemed like a recipe for a whole new level of discomfort.
But I’m determined to find ways to give back to the world in 2017, and I’m pleased to say that it went well. Brilliantly, in fact. Not only were all my fears assuaged, but the experience far exceeded any hopeful expectations I’d allowed myself (me being of the generally optimistic sort 😉 ). The family was warm, welcoming, served lovely tea, and kept trying to feed me the entire hour I was there. I can’t wait to go again next week.
I also came away with much food for thought…starting with my own privilege.
As I drove home, I couldn’t help but cringe at my hesitation to take on this opportunity in the first place. Here I was, worrying about my level of discomfort at spending an hour or two each week helping a family settle into my country…compare that to the trauma that family faced in losing everything they knew. Everything that was familiar and dear. Everything they owned. Compare it to the incredible courage it took for them to move to a country where they knew no one, had nothing, and couldn’t even speak the language.
Let’s look at that again, shall we?
Me, in my comfortable middle-class life, giving up a couple of hours a week to teach my own language to someone.
Them, in a new country with nothing familiar and no way to communicate.
Yeah. 🙁
I consider myself to be pretty aware, generally speaking. I watch the news, I follow current events, I support causes I believe in, and I share those causes on social media. In short, I do all the ‘right’ things for someone of my privilege level. All the things within my comfort zone.
But you know what? That’s not enough anymore. Not for me, not for you, not for any of us.
The world is going to hell in the proverbial handbasket right now, my friends. Comfort zones are a thing of extraordinary privilege—and now, they need to become a thing of the past, because we all need to step up. Every single one of us. Because no matter how uncomfortable we might be? I guarantee there’s someone even more uncomfortable.
So I challenge you to take a look around you. Really look. At your country, your city, your community, your neighbours. Imagine if you were the one displaced or in need. Imagine how it must feel to be invisible. To not belong anywhere. And then imagine what a difference you can make to just one of those lives out there.
Have a car? Volunteer to drive someone to a doctor’s appointment. Need to declutter? Donate household goods to newcomers. Don’t like how things are shaping up politically? Call your local politician. Don’t know where to start? Heck, bake some cookies and take them to that new family down the street. Just do something, because your first step outside your comfort zone doesn’t need to be much, but it does need to be. And it needs to be now.
Plus, you might get invited in for some awesome tea and hilarious communication via hand signals. And trust me, that’s way more fun than you’ve had in a while. 😉
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