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One of the highlights for Ruairí was his involvement in brining the Dalai Lama to Ireland, a man he describes as a modern champion of Gandhi’s ‘be the change’ adage. In April 2011 he worked with partner organizations Afri and Children in Crossfire to host the Dalai Lama’s visit to Ireland as part of the POSSIBILITIES initiative. This brought thousands of people together to explore the connection between personal and social change, and how each of us has the power to change the world.
In October 2011 Ruairí decided to call it a day. He handed over the reigns to a new CEO and has moved on to look at new areas where he can use his talents.
“After 8 years working night and day I felt it was time for something new for me and that the organization needed would benefit from new leadership and new energy. I had built it up from scratch, brought in funding, and oversaw the set-up of a new national office in Dublin. It was good to leave it on a high so that others can help it grow and evolve, in the same way that I need to grow and evolve.”
Looking back on regrets or things he would do differently he says he ‘doesn’t believe in regrets’ and that ‘mistakes or perceived failures can be our best teachers if we let them be’.
“If I could have done anything differently it would have been to trust myself more, to have faith in my ability and to look after myself better in terms of not working so hard all the time. I think many people involved in activism are in a massive rush and they all too often burn out their fire and forget about all the great things in life that are to be enjoyed. I think it’s important to pace yourself and learn to breathe. I’m still working on that one.”
As to what’s next for Ruairí he quotes the musician Joe Strummer by saying ‘the future is unwritten’ and he is aiming to figure it out one step at a time.
“Life is a bit of a mystery. I think there are certain things you can figure out and work hard towards achieving. Others, you just need to let go and enjoy the ride. It’s tough sometimes facing uncertainty, especially financial uncertainty, but ultimately I trust that if you honour your instincts and your heart then you can’t go too far wrong. Doing so isn’t easy and it’s sometimes like everyone and everything is trying to stop you, but I think the biggest barrier is ourselves in believing we’re not truly powerful.”
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