Me to We: A Survivor's story

Perhaps the Survivor show was a more telling tale of 'reality' than anyone ever realized. When you think about it, millions of people living in North America act as though they are trapped in an episode of Survivor. As the rules of the TV game stipulate, only one person can win so every man (or women) is in it for himself. Millions go through their day motivated by one thing: 'what's in it for me?' Society at large supports that attitude (think of self-help books such as "Looking Out for Number One"). The trend to focus on the individual is seen in other ways: membership in neighborhood organizations is declining, rates of volunteerism are at record lows, and our sense of community is disintegrating.

Millions may subscribe to an individualistic culture, but ironically, this kind of behavior touches us all, and in very negative ways. This lack of community and connection to others is even affecting our health. An Ontario Ministry of Health report shows that decreased social contacts and declining support networks are linked with high blood pressure, heart disease, depression and suicide. Today, all of these health epidemics are at record levels. The World Health Organization projects that in less than 20 years, depression will be the second leading cause of disability in the world.

In order to reverse these alarming trends, perhaps we need to focus a little less on "what's good for ME" and a lot more on "what's good for WE" -- our community, nation and world. In short, we need to start helping others more than ever before. While helping others helps the larger community, we've also learned through our charitable work over the past decade is that by turning outwards, we improve our own life, health, career and family bonds. Whether it's spending more time with our kids, giving our elderly neighbor a hand with clearing the snow, volunteering in a soup kitchen or getting involved with a social justice group, the act of reaching out to another person has an empowering effort. Seeing the personal benefits of being concerned for others means that we have the insight to understand that when we stop competing against each other and start cooperating, we are strengthening the community to which each one of us belongs.

Here's to a new season and a new attitude. Perhaps one day soon, the TV executives will recognize the potential of helping others as well and a new type of reality TV show will hit the airwaves and help build community. Tune in.