I Am What's Wrong

By Sheila Burke

I imagine that at some point in your life, probably more so over the last couple of years, you have watched how hearts and minds of humanity have dipped to some really scary low points. Nastiness being flung around without a care. I'm sure you've asked, "What the heck is wrong with the world?"

I have asked myself that same question and this book was born from my own research and insights. I have done a lot of inner work over the years and really considered myself a pretty damn good human. But when I took a really long, hard look at myself, it became clear I could do a lot better.

The premise of I Am What's Wrong is the need for each one of us to take a closer (and honest) look at ourselves and how we interact with the world. Not only does the book encourage the reader to take an honest assessment of themselves, and how, but it offers many concrete and attainable solutions on HOW to be a better human.

Life is changing all the time and change sometimes is uncomfortable. With change comes the inevitable--stress. I Am What's Wrong shows us how to adapt to life and deal with the stress it brings. Learn how to incorporate healthy habits and nurture happiness within your life. Invite change into your life by learning to be accountable for your own words and actions.

Ask the important questions: "How can I make a difference?" "What can I do differently?" "How can I improve the situation?" "What can I contribute to the better health of humanity?"

Figuring out the answers to these questions results in breaking down barriers and strengthens family, community, humanity, and self. Personal accountability helps us to problem solve and see each other differently. What the reader will conclude, I believe, is that although each one of us might be the problem--each one of us is also the solution.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sheila Burke
• Release date: Mar 23, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463119754

Sheila Burke

Sheila Burke was born in 1965 and has lived in Ohio her whole life. Sheila and her husband have been happily married and chasing dreams together since 1989.Sheila has been on a journey of self-discovery for many years. She has an open mind, loves to read and enjoys learning though a variety of subjects. Zen-Sational Living is Sheila's first book and was a long time in the making. It is not her own personal story, but rather a road map for others starting out on their own personal journey of self-discovery.Sheila's books include Enriched Heart (published June 2016 available on Amazon), Chorus of Souls, Booyah Spirit, and Zensational Living. She also has several picture books as well as journals and a ZenSational Planner for those who enjoy recording their days.

Book preview

I Am What’s Wrong

Sheila M. Burke

©Sheila M. Burke, 2018

All Rights Reserved

Published by Sheila Burke at Smashwords

Cover design by Lindsey M. Kendrick / lindseykendrick.weebly.com

Author photo by Cindy Szalkowski

Cover photo by user: Free-Photos / pixabay

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Dedication

For anyone who has ever wondered,

What the heck is wrong with the world today?

Acknowledgements

Although I have been an avid reader all of my life it was not until I started writing my own books that I realized just how much goes into one book.

An old African proverb says, It takes a village to raise a child. I can honestly say that the same goes for birthing a book. With that said, I would like to give some kudos to those who helped make this book possible.

Shane: my husband of thirty years, thank you for the conversations that sparked the birth of this book.

Kelsey: my English major daughter and my editor for this book. I almost fainted at the 455 edits, but I’m so thankful for your time and keen eye.

Kaylee and Alan: my daughter and son for your ideas, input, and proofreading.

Jeannette and John: my parents—for giving me the foundation to become the person I became in life.

Lindsey Kendrick: my cover designer. Never in a million years did I realize how important it was to have a cover professionally designed. Beautiful job, thank you!

To all the people who took time out of their busy lives to read this book in its early stages and provide constructive feedback: Jeff, Jordan, Vironika, Cindy S., Cindy L., Andreas, Robin, Donna, Avril, Jeannette, Melissa, Lou, Graham, Alice, Aimee, Karen, Katryna, Leslie, Harry, Melanie, Laura, Jill, Josie, Ellen, and Meta.

Thank you for your help and dedication to this project.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Introduction

1 I Am What is Wrong with the World

2 Understanding Our Tribes

3 How to Be the Change You Wish to See in the World

4 7 Things You Can Do Now to Change the World

5 Why Sharing Good News is Healthy and How to Do It

6 10 Ways to Grow as a Human

7 11 Ways to Be a Helper

8 11 Benefits of Inspirational Quotes and Tips for Using Them

9 How to Unleash Your Power to Make a Difference in the World

10 42 Healthy Habits for Being a Better Human

11 Kind Ideas

12 15 Things Animals Will Teach Us about Life

13 Tips for Practicing Self-Care

14 There is Bravery in Being Soft

15 27 Easy-Peasy Ways to Be a Better Human

16 Knowledge to Make a Difference for the Planet

17 The Power of One

About the Author

Introduction

Over the past decade, I have built a following on social media and blogs. I have authored several books with a focus on the self and inner peace—three of which have been #1, #2, and #3 on Amazon Kindle. Now, ten years later, I wonder why the world is still in such turmoil despite all the work we are doing individually.

Part of my daily ritual is watching the news with my husband. One autumn afternoon in 2015, I noticed it was one negative story after another. It had been this way every day. It felt like humanity was off the path that I felt generations had worked hard to pave over the years. I remember saying to my husband, I think it’s all about respect; all of the world’s problems come down to the fact that nobody really respects anybody else. We began to discuss this notion further.

Whether it’s a person’s opinion, way of life, or simply gender identity, race, religion, or culture, it all comes down to respect in its simplest form. Somebody wants somebody else to be more like they are, rather than respecting that person’s individual rights.

I found myself thinking about social media and the things people post. I feel it is a good gauge of what is happening inside a person these days. Much of it is not pretty—sometimes more angry, mean-spirited, petty. I wondered, Why can't we all just be better humans? I think there is one simple goal for all humanity; to be a better human. It’s that simple. It requires little effort, such as respecting everyone regardless of our differences and having compassion for others without letting our judgments affect how much compassion we extend. This was the birth of Being Better Humans, my online community promoting compassion and respect.

It’s not that we have to ignore what’s going on in the world, but we don’t need to remain fixated on it as if it is the only thing going on. Many good things are going on in the world. We just don’t have them being drilled into our heads every day. I began to realize the importance of seriously sitting down and taking a good, long, hard look at myself. I learned there are a lot of things I could improve on to be a better human. Although I thought I was already a pretty good citizen, I could do a lot better. That is how this book came to be: asking an honest question and answering it in the most honest way I could.

It is imperative to understand how humanity came to the point where it is today and what measures we need to undertake individually, and as a society, in order to move forward. I Am What’s Wrong addresses these issues and offers concrete, attainable solutions. Readers will learn to take a good, unfiltered look at themselves, and learn ways they too, can be better humans. We accomplish this by doing things for others; as much as we can. Things like listening, respecting, asking people sincerely How are you? or What can I do for you? Things like donating clothes, food, or goods. Things like donating time. Things like just being nicer to people. These don’t have to be big things that cost a lot of money. It only takes each of us a bit of time each day to be kind. We need more kindness in this world.

We often hear the quote, Be the change you wish to see, but it is not always clear how we can be that change. I Am What’s Wrong will give you easy-to-understand answers and provide ways to improve yourself and the world around you. One of the best things a human being can do is to reevaluate themselves and implement constructive change. Then, we can begin to uplift the world.

1

I Am What is Wrong with the World

Over a hundred years ago, English author, poet, philosopher, theologian, humorist, and literary critic G.K. Chesterton answered a question posed to authors by a newspaper. The question was, What's wrong with the world today? Chesterton simply responded:

Dear Sir,

I am.

Yours,

G.K. Chesterton.

Now it's not that Chesterton thought he was a bad person, but he was able to be honest enough to find fault within himself. No matter how hard we try to be good people, if we think we are absolutely faultless we are part of the problem.

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, a Russian novelist, writer, and historian, once said, If only it were all so simple! If only there were evil people somewhere insidiously committing evil deeds, and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them. But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being.

I think a lot of the turmoil happening in the world today has to do with our ability to empathize with others. Empathy is the capacity to look beyond our own life experiences and relate to the experiences, feelings, and pain of another person as if it were your own. Empathy allows us to share in each other's sorrow and joy; it is an essential component of a civilized society.

Much like kindness and compassion, humans are born with the capacity for empathy, but these are learned traits and developed behaviors acquired over time. The development of the neural connections in our brain are one determining factor in our capacity for these traits.

Childhood experiences are another factor. You may have more or less capacity for kindness, compassion, and empathy depending on early life experiences. If the experience was that of neglect, strife, or abuse you may develop a strong instinct toward self-preservation in order to survive. Self-preservation generally closes us off to nurturing others. If your life experience is a loving environment you will probably have an easier time developing kindness, compassion, empathy, flexibility, and patience—placing a higher value on others.

Depending on the experiences throughout our lives, we can either foster or suppress our capacity for empathy. When we have parents, teachers, partners, or