The Final Task

1.   I believe it is possible to change the world in a concrete way.

*** I totally have this quality, because … 

I believe the key to changing the world is through building human connections. This is the outcome I have seen from every task - the magic that happens when people connect and really 'see' each other. When I asked the lady sitting next to me on the train what she would do with my rubbish, her eyes lit up, and her creativity unleashed, and we started a conversation.

2.   I am able to balance dreams, emotion, will and action.

** I have part of this quality, because…

I am able to balance the above to get things done, but I am not totally independent and able to do this alone. Working with the other participants at the Initiative Forum I really enjoyed because we evolved our ideas together, picked each other up if our energy was low and worked together. I believe, working co-dependently is the most effective way to find a balance.

3.   I am able to articulate social networks and mobilize people for a cause.

*** I totally have this quality, because … 

I worked with the people and relationships around me. When I read the Fire Task I imagined doing an Oasis game where I live. However, I was on my way to the Initiative Forum in Sweden, and realised this wouldn't be possible. When we arrived, and saw ourselves surrounded by 250 people ready for action, we realised our role lay in connecting people together (through the badges) and inviting people to take the spirit and energy of the conference, and channel it into action in their own communities. In this way, we were able to make use of a good opportunity mobilise a huge community to take action around the world.

4.   I have the ability to turn dreams into reality.

** I have part of this quality, because…

Yes. But not alone. With the right combination of people, anything is possible. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead. What I am trying to be is a conjuror, a facilitator of peoples dreams, that we can co-create and materialise together. When I was part of the Oasis Newham, I witnessed that this is possible, and that is why I am applying to do this now.

5.   I am a creative person.

*** I totally have this quality, because …

Juggling work and study commitments, my creativity lay in bringing the tasks set into my everyday life. So, for example, using a train journey to inspire ideas about up cycling and get people talking. I realised I am able to access my creativity when bouncing ideas with other people. So, feeling stuck on the train journey, I opened out my task to others, and the creativity flowed - it's definitely about teamwork.

6.   I try to innovate in my attitudes.

** I have part of this quality, because…

For me the biggest shift in my attitude is in trying to act from the 'heart' rather than the 'head' space. This allows me to innovate my attitude towards everything, and be much more open, rather than critical. The tasks helped me work on this, but I am still searching for the right balance.

7.   I have my values​​ and beliefs, and yet I am still open to the unknown.

*** I totally have this quality, because … 

There was a time when I felt very principled about a lot of things, but realised that I had began to alienate people by being so black and white in my opinions, and it came across as a negative 'thou shalt not…' . Whilst I still have my principles, I am open to the possibility that this isn't necessarily the best way to engage or inspire others to action, and that is why I am drawn to Warriors Without Weapons, because it sparks a fire and imagination in people, and this is an infectious way of creating change. 

8.   I try to communicate even when I don’t speak other languages.

*** I totally have this quality, because …

I practiced this on my journey to Sweden - I sat next to some children on the plane who didn't speak english, and who looked very bored. I whipped out the origami and taught them through simply showing them. Soon, all the kids wanted to join in! There is so much we can communicate through our bodies, expressions, eye contact and through games! It's about finding the points of entry into a communication beyond words, this is something I got from the tasks and that I love.

9.   I am ready for action.

*** I totally have this quality, because … 

Now I am on a constant hunt for actions I can do as I go along in my everyday life. There's no need to wait.  I also saw Edgar speak today at the Youth Initiative Forum and realised how ready I am to work in the way that the Warriors teaches. For me this means working from the heart, not just the head, and 'playing' - constantly stirring the pot of life. Even though I had limited time - juggling other commitments, I still managed to act, so I am always ready. 

10. I want to share what I have learned with others.

*** I totally have this quality, because …

I am already doing it. Learning a skill or a way of seeing the world, and passing it on through conversations, especially with strangers on public transport or in queue, when people are looking for entertainment. Through doing the Warriors training I would like to take these challenges to places that really need it - from the apartment blocks of the wealthy to the office blocks of corporations. Wherever human connection is missing.