Sunday, May 29, 2011

Can One Person Make a Difference?


Do you know how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly? The process of change from crawling creature to graceful wonder is an excellent metaphor to reflect upon. Caterpillars become butterflies through the effort of but a handful of determined cells. Amazing, isn’t it? So, can one person make a difference?

Transforming the world seems like an impossible task at first. It’s far easier to say there’s nothing we can do, that age-old systems are way stronger, that the battle is lost even before it’s begun. When we aim for progress, we’ll lose some battles and we’ll win others. But if we’re persistent enough, we’ll attract like-minded individuals, and become powerful enough to make an impact in the world.

Would you like to start making a difference in the world today? You don’t need to solve third world hunger or jumpstart world peace overnight. In effortless ways you can show the world how it’s done.

Appreciate one person a day. You’ll be surprised how much a sincere compliment can transform another person’s day. Your little boy may be nursing a rejection from his crush, but a kind word from you may encourage him to try again. Your favorite waitress may be ready to buckle from life’s pressures, but a “thank you” may just make her hang on. Appreciation is cheap; you won’t even have to take out your wallet to give one.

Never drink and drive. Can one person make a difference by not driving when intoxicated? By being conscientious with the simple choices that we make, we can cut down the tragedies that happen to people on a daily basis and can save another person’s life and another family’s grief.

Bring a recyclable bag when you shop or get your groceries. We only have one earth, and it’s time we take care of it. So instead of adding in to the tons of plastic garbage that will take millions of years to degrade, do your bit for the environment then Mother Nature will surely be grateful.

Do you have extra clothing just gathering dust in your closet? Or perhaps you overstocked on goods and food products? Donate your excess to a homeless shelter. Give of what you can to charity. What may be clutter to you is a lifeline for others. It’s a crime to hoard when so many people are doing without.

Share a story of resilience. The world needs more people who can teach about life; something even the internet can’t teach. If you know someone in bad need of quality advice, say, a rebellious teen in your neighborhood or a co-worker in the throes of depression, take time to share what you know. Don’t worry too much about saying the right thing, if you’re sincere in your desire to help, it will come across.

Tell an enemy that you forgive them if you want to make a difference in another person’s life, do what you can to give them closure. Who knows your forgiveness may be just what they’re waiting for so that they can get on with their life.

In conclusion, can one person make a difference? Yes. Through one determined effort at a time!

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