Do you feel like you’re drinking coffee while the world is burning?

The other day I was sitting in a cafe and responding to emails sipping on a completely generated latte when I noticed a group of people gathering outside the window.

At first I thought it was a crowd waiting for the bus. Then I noticed the signs. chant. The slow, rhythmic expansion of the voice rising in protest. It was peaceful but passionate. It’s a group that demands action on issues that I care about.

Still… I stayed in my chair.

Warm mug in your hand. The laptop is open. I’m watching.

And for a while I felt like the worst person.

There I was comfortable, caffeine, and people were standing outside in the cold demanding justice. Cognitive Dissonance It was real. Shouldn’t I be there? Did I conspire with my comfort? Was this latte a symbol of everything that is wrong in the world?

Have you ever noticed yourself in a similar situation? try out I’ll be careful, but do you not know how and when to display it?

Inner Tug of War: Compassion and Comfort

We live in an age where the pain of the world is more noticeable than ever. Scrolling path Social Media Or, a quick glance at the news provides a constant flow of things that bothers you.

Still, many of us feel this constant tension between our everyday lives and the big issues swirling beyond the edges of our to-do lists, by filming our groceries, attending meetings, and pouring coffee.

This is not indifferent. It’s about the overwhelmingness of compassion.

Psychologists call this Compassion fatigue– The emotional fatigue that can occur when we are exposed to suffering makes us feel helpless to change (Figley, 1995). Over time, this fatigue can turn into paralysis. Research shows that up to 68% of people experience compassion fatigue at some point in their nursing care Or, the role of advocacy that leads to emotional numbness and avoidance of engagement is even on issues that they are deeply concerned with (Mathieu, 2007).

You bother, but the problem is too big.
You care, but you’re tired.
You care, but you don’t know where to start.

So you drink your coffee. Scroll. You feel guilty.
And are you doing enough?

What prevents us from getting involved?

There are real, complicated reasons why even the most intentional people are hesitant to act. Let’s give some names:

1. Uncertainty about what “action” looks like

Not everyone is meant to lead a protest, call a senator or march on the streets. But when they are the only examples, when we see us rising, we can start to believe that we are not doing it thatwe haven’t done enough.

2. fear What’s wrong

In our culture of call, many people fear that if they speak up or step in incompletely, they will be judged or rejected. So they’re waiting. They are researching. They think too much. And sometimes they get quiet. Psychologists call this Spotlight effect– The tendency to overestimate the extent to which others notice or judge our actions (Gilovich, Medvec & Savitsky, 2000). Combine with Fraud syndromethis fear can even close the most intentional voice.

3. Myth of “appropriate time”

We tell ourselves: “I’ll get involved when things get late.” or “When I’m more informed” or “When I’m not overwhelmed.” Spoiler alert: That’s rare.

4. Cutting from impact

It’s difficult to act when we don’t believe our actions are important. The scale of the problem can feel so large that anything we do can feel like we’re falling into the ocean.

From passive perception to consistent action

So, what do we do about this tension? How do we look and move on to what we do?None Burn out, It’s embarrassing Do you assume that we, or we, must save the world alone?

This is the shift that helped me:

It’s not about doing everything. It’s about doing something. You will be appointed to your gifts, abilities, and seasons of your life.

Your actions don’t have to be important.
It doesn’t have to be seen as authentic.
Don’t be big to be brave.

3 Ways to Intervene – Your Method

1. Define the lane

Start by asking:

• What do I care most deeply about?
• What do I have unique equipment to offer?
• What kind of action do you feel is real now?

Some people are planning to march. Others are meant to write, teach, organize behind the scenes, preserve space, fundraising, serve as mentors, make art, and tell stories.

That’s all important.

As organizational psychologist Adam Grant points out, “Advocates come in many ways. Not all of them. Extrovert. Some quiet contributors amplify others’ voices. “Your lane may be quiet.

2. Practice micro action with macro impact

We often start the ripple effects of small efforts and overestimate what we need to underestimate.

• Text a friend you’re organizing and ask how you can support them.
• Read one article that challenges your perspective.
• Appears at community meetings. Even if you hear it.
• Buy from a local business that does a good job.
• Vote. Share. sign. Donate. Encourage.

Each action is a vote for the world you want to live in.

3. Even if you take a step back, you will stay in the conversation

You may need to rest. An era in which your role is to listen, learn, or sad. It’s not a failure – it’s part of the cycle.

But don’t let it all go away. Keep talking. Please continue to reflect on your actions. Keep asking, What now? What’s next?

Staying in conversation is internally too – because you can keep your eyes awake.

SIP, reflection, action

I went back to the cafe and finished my coffee. And I jumped up and didn’t take part in the protest – not that day. But it took me a little time to reflect on what it upset me. Later I donated to a cause. Resources were shared. I checked in with a friend I had it It was there.

There was no performance. It wasn’t flashy. But that was consistent with what I had to give that day. And I believe that is important.

So don’t silence yourself the next time you’re drinking coffee while the world is burning, or when you’re burning scrolls, gatherings, or newsfeeds. Ask yourself what it means to stay awake. Be honest and worry about it. To act from where you are.

Because the world doesn’t have to be anywhere at once. It needs you engaged, The method is only you can do it.

From the cafe window too.
Even your hands are full.
Even if the foam still appears on my lips.