“Do something!”
You may have heard these words in connection with Kamala Harris and Michelle Obama’s recent Democratic National Convention speeches. They urged people who might be discouraged or distressed by political events to “Do something!” Take action to address the situation rather than feel hopeless.
I think of, “Do something” as a doable request, the fourth step in Nonviolent Communication. “Do something” is an action that can be asked of yourself or someone else to meet the needs you would like to have met.
If someone is feeling lonely and needing companionship, a self-request might be to look for opportunities to meet new people and take the action to say hello and start a conversation… one step on the road to companionship. Then follow up with another action: Ask the person to take a walk or go for coffee.
There are many ways that someone could, “Do something” to meet a need for companionship. Knowing the need is the first part. Taking action to meet the need is what makes Compassionate Communication so powerful.
“Do something” can mean we move out of our comfort zone and have the courage to try—not because we “should,” but rather because we want to empower ourselves to meet the need.
Taking action can be energizing and transform helplessness into empowerment. Even when my needs are not immediately met, I feel more alive through focused and doable actions.
What needs would you like to have met? What doable actions could you take or request of someone else to meet those needs?
~ Bryn
