When I read this quote, I immediately thought of recycling. Stay with me, here. For the longest time, I felt that recycling was just too much work and avoided it all costs. My assumption was that if I did not know everything about recycling, then I would not do it at all. I knew the importance and the impact but because I could not do it perfectly, I refused to do it at all. About two years ago, I came across some information about how starting small with recycling can have a big impact and it is more important to have many people recycling imperfectly than to have a few people recycling perfectly. So my family and I decided to start small and to learn how to improve over time. Now, not only are we clear on how to recycle but we are now moving into changing buying habits so that we are creating less waste and decreasing our carbon footprint. Being perfect is not the goal but trying and systematically improving over time can still have a great impact. Every individual who decides to recycle, moves the needle just a bit toward that goal.

Just as with recycling, the hesitancy for most is not with helping to move the world forward. The hesitancy is, “Will my small contribution matter?” The truth is we do not have to be perfect or grand or skilled in a certain way to impact the forward movement of society. We just have to believe that it is important, it is worth it, and that I would like to be a part. And then find the small ways to impact that change. Change does not need perfect people. Change and progression needs imperfect, unique individuals who have the nerve to do something for the better of the next generation. My family and I will never get to the point of living off grid in a home void of plastic containers but we will use our voice, our skillset, to try to make a small difference in the lives of others every day.

Joy Brunson-Nsubuga

Joy is the Vice President of the Southeast Region for RI International. She is an expert in Medication Assisted Treatment and is the leader of the RI Opioid Consult team. Joy is also a member of the RI International Diversity and Inclusion Council. She has determined that her purpose in career is the same as her purpose in life; to assist with breaking generational and systemic patterns with compassion, creativity, and consistency.