did you listen? probably not...

Did you listen?

Kids, activists and scientists were going on strike to bring climate change facts and warnings to politicians, corporations and the masses.

你听了吗? (Yes, I'm talking about you)

Maybe you read about climate change in a message your friend sent. Maybe it even came from me. Most probably, its content meant nothing more to you than a funny 15 seconds Tik-Tok video.

That is worrisome.

Inevitable. 2020. It was a matter of time. Mother Nature stepped on the brakes and Covid-19 became a door stopper on our man-made systems.

Are you listening right now?

Pandemic jokes, memes, racist comments and fake news go viral every day on social media.

Maybe not.

I've been a vegetarian for a year now. I've been involved with Tzu Chi's recycling and charity programs for a few years too. It means something to me.

What does it mean to you?

Being a vegetarian is like passing your driving test. So, I can't talk to you about vegetarianism and saving the planet if I'm not one.

I think you get my drift. The car people do. .

When people find out I am vegetarian or when I tell people I am one, if they bothered to care - I would get asked "Why?"

That moment meant everything. It means my "license" to share about vegetarian lifestyle, recycling, computers for the poor, relief for refugees and climate change just got renewed.

Lets get real now. Are you still listening? Probably not. (Resisting the urge to put an emoji here)

What is my success rate? If I talk to 100 people, how many will reflect and devote themselves to my beliefs? ZERO!

In reality, most people are like back-seat drivers. They won't take the driver's seat. They nod their heads when I share. Some will share their opinions. Some will smartly counter what I say. Most probably, I am going to get a few negative comments in this post.

I tell myself, "Maybe they'll listen to me next time."

An after dinner reflection 🥦 ♻️ 🌏
...
Post-after dinner reflection. I am wondering if this post will get viral.

Probably not.

Listening to my wife’s advice. Darling, this is how I do it. Share! Maybe your friends will listen.

Probably not.

Ben telling himself, "Maybe next time."

Tapped post.