Don’t Complain, Do!

Recently, I attended a unique conference hosted by the Jewish Deaf Congress (JDC) outside Baltimore, Md. Every one of the presentations were communicated in American Sign Language (ASL). One presenter made an excellent point. He first cupped his right hand to his chest as he shook his head. Then with the left hand, he moved the right hand so that cupped hand faced parallel to the floor. Then he moved both cupped hands like a pendulum horizontally to the floor as he nodded. “Don’t complain, do!” he signed. We complain for many reasons—manage our emotions, experience a bad day, or affected by a personality trait. What the presenter was saying, instead of wasting energy complaining about a situation, do something about it. I couldn’t agree more. 

I walk my dog every morning and see trash left on the sidewalks and curbs by neighborhood slobs. If I complained, nothing would be done, so while Scribble is sniffing around a bush, I pick up trash and place it in a shopping bag I bring along for the walk. 

One day, while picking up after Scribble, I threw out my back. Oy! Instead of complaining, I saw a chiropractor and then my trainer who gave me exercises to do to strengthen the back muscles. Finally, I bought a pooper scooper. Instead of complaining about the mess and weak back, I did something about it and got results. 

Another presenter at the JDC weekend conference discussed the Hebrew term “Tikkun olam” repair the world. Jews believe it is our duty to make the world just, peaceful, tolerant, and equal through acts of charity, kindness, and political action. But this is not just in the Jewish domain. It is up to all of us to repair the world, so our children and grandchildren have a wonderful home in which to grow and enjoy. 

What kind of actions can we do? We can give to a worthwhile charity like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the American Cancer Society, or Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Everyday, engage in acts of kindness (this link will give you a few ideas), or if you witness a wrong, do what you can to make it right. 

According to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, there are 69,144 homeless people in Los Angeles County. To help repair the world, you can volunteer at a shelter, food bank, donate clothes, and elect officials willing and able to help these people. 

Two months ago, my roommate asked if he could take in a friend who was unfairly evicted from her home. I agreed. The friend turned out to be a 22-year-old young woman from Columbia trying her best to avoid ending up on the streets of Los Angeles. Within a month’s time she secured an apartment for herself. When she left, her smile and warm hug said it all. 

Unfortunately, our world is in desperate need of tikkun olam. Pick what bothers you the most and do something about it. The world doesn’t get repaired by complaints, but by people like you taking action.

Michael Thal is the author of the award winning novel, The Lip Reader.