Upon returning to Sobradinho, I found, of course, a different place, and it seemed to be for the worse. So, I immediately did what many of us do when we are dissatisfied with something: I complained, and a lot!

But, if we are honest, we will see that many of the complaints we make are not directed at anyone or even at people who can do anything about them. I’ll say more: if we are honest, we will see that often we don’t even know why we complain so much. The worst part is that we always place the blame, or the responsibility, on other people, be they politicians, businessmen, corporations, etc.

The complaints intensify even more now, as the period arrives when all denunciations and grievances gain more strength: during the municipal election. It is when everyone forgets about the city, about life, starting a great battle of organized cheering squads, not for the good of all, but for the harm of the adversary.

Not that sometimes some people don’t have a point, but true change, the one that will really bring progress to our so beloved city – perhaps not as loved as it should be – comes from within; that is, we have to change our way of thinking and feeling, in order to then act.

Well then, it’s been a while since I realized that something essential has been missing in us: we lack enchantment for the good things we have.

That’s right!

There are a bunch of people doing a whole lot of good things here in our city without being noticed.

Think about it! How many cultural events, organized by volunteers, have we had here in our city? I myself have been to a few. Just talk to the folks at the Performing Arts Association to get to know their work, which doesn’t always count on public or private support. Fabrício and Rita have been developing wonderful work with the youth for a long time.

And in the area of sports? Okay, we had the passing of the Olympic torch and it was very good. But have people been properly honoring these warriors, like Kleyton Gualter, educator and capoeira teacher, or Zé Ivaldo, our three-time world champion? They have been teaching more than just moves for a long time, but extremely important principles for life. Have you ever been to an event organized by them? Or have you ever helped carry a tatami mat?

Last week we had a big chess tournament. The fruit of wonderful work developed by Professor Marcelo. And what he wants most are participants.

For my part, I have even had difficulty getting some parents to be present for the small victories of their own children.

And the Pedal Crew? You must have seen those folks riding at night on the avenues. It’s a lively group and always willing to welcome new cyclists into their troupe.

There are so many others: we have soccer schools; the Santana Club, which has quite an impressive infrastructure with a very low monthly fee; public squares; and much more.

So, I invite you, reader, not to look only at the things that are missing, but at the good ones we already have. More than looking, honor, help, make yourself present, and let yourself be enchanted by all the good we have. Your support and your presence are essential for these projects to continue.

If we, as a people, are better persons and committed to our city, we will certainly have better and more committed politicians and businessmen.

We have to turn our dissatisfactions into transformative actions, into words of motivation, into effective choices.

A big and fraternal hug to all from Sobradinho!