Many people have heard the starfish story. For those that haven't please read it before continuing. Now I feel the same warm fuzzies that everyone else does when reading the tale of one young person saving starfish lives, but applying the principle is a challenge.
You see, I live in the generation that has both the passion and the arrogance to believe it can change the world. We want to see sweeping change in politics, religion, our work force, and so many other areas. Having grown up hearing success stories of individuals who made those types of drastic changes, we wholeheartedly believe we can do the same.
I have seen the same idea among young advocates for agriculture. We want to tell our stories and make everyone join our cause and share our passion for feeding the world. However, we do not live in history books. Those who have made the great changes of the world had no idea of their influence. They were simply going about their business and tossing the starfish that came into their lives.
Today I shared coffee with a friend who did not grow up on a farm. After joking about hipsters and Whole Foods, the discussion turned to my feelings about HSUS. As I told my story with passion on my face, she explained that she understood, she may not tell all her friends how great ag is, but she did listen. I love blogging and Facebook as much as the next millennial, but engaging in a friendly conversation held greater meaning than any post or comment.
No matter what your passion is, sharing it is about conversation, not persuasion. Arguments get society nowhere, while open and honest conversation builds relationships. I may never reach hundreds of people with my blog, but I will and can have one face-to-face talk that makes all the difference.
'till the cows come home,
Ellie
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