“The list of things we care about is long. The list of things we can care for is short. Don’t confuse the two lists.”

—Gabe Anderson, Musician

Image from Unsplash by Brett Jordan

In today’s fast-paced world it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the endless list of things we care about— causes, people, hobbies, and issues — pulling at our attention.

Yet, the list of things we can truly care for, in terms of deep commitment and responsible action, is much shorter.

Caring deeply requires time, energy, and emotional investment — resources that are limited.

Confusing these two lists can lead to burnout and shallow involvement that doesn’t serve anyone well.

Instead, focusing on a smaller number of things to genuinely care for allows us to make a meaningful difference.

Let’s be mindful of where we place our care, ensuring it is purposeful and sustainable, rather than scattered and exhausted.

EXERCISE:

Make a list of all the causes, people, and projects you care about.

This may take some time.

Narrow the list down to those you can realistically support and invest in deeply.

Prioritize this second list and evaluate your capacities before working through the items.