We live in a chaotic world. War, famine, pollution and death (bonus point for references) seem to be on the march. We fight amongst ourselves, we let hate and prejudice spread, we let religious differences, xenophobia and jealousy matter. And in this world it might seem hard to make a difference. But trust me; you can, and you probably do.
Time is precious
Donating your time is one of the best ways to make a difference, as time has become a luxury for most of us. Maybe you can help out on a local soup kitchen, or maybe you could spend your time planning something even more local? Look at your neighborhood, at your city or your community. What do you think is the problem? What do you think they need?
What can you do about it?
Could you arrange a meet and greet to bring the neighbors closer? Could you get all the parents in the street together to do a homework help night every week? Maybe you could arrange a meeting with information about the Islamic religion, and a meet-and-greet with local Muslim families? Or if you’re not the person to do it, maybe you could set the wheels in motion?
Do onto others
Making a difference is all about empathy. Look to the situation, the person or the people you want to make a difference to. What would you like someone to do, if you were in that situation?
Focus on the small things
You don’t have to change the world; you just have to do what you can. Try to make a difference to the people around you in everything you say and do. Inspire others to do the same, and in the end we could end all war.
The butterfly effect
Remember this simple fact: You cannot see the whole effect you have on your surroundings.
A study from scientists Fowler and Christakis of Harvard University came to this conclusion; a random act of generosity can influence dozens more.
Not only will the recipient of the first act be more likely to be generous to people around him, and that effect lasts for some time. But the people he is generous towards will also be more likely to be generous to other people up to three degrees of separation.
This makes it really easy to make a small difference in the world. Try buying a meal to a homeless person instead of throwing him a couple of quarters, bringing an unexpected coffee to someone at work, arranging a neighborhood event or donating money to an important project. No matter the size of the act, it will still have effect far beyond the act itself.
This fact is unfortunately also true with selfishness.
Remember to tell
When someone makes a difference in your life, tell them. When someone says or does something that sticks with you, or gives you something that brightens your whole day, remember to say so. Make it accepted among your friends and colleagues to say “you really made the difference today!” It will brighten up their day, and it will make it easier for them to tell you back.
The need of the one
The need of the few
One thing I’ve learned in my life as a religious person trying to speak my truth is this; no matter how mundane and trivial the things you feel like sharing are; it might be just the thing someone needs to hear. That is probably what has surprised me most about this blog, the things I write that really goes to heart seem to be small things that just “hit the spot” for someone. If you dare to speak your truth
The need of the many
Be a good role model, they are sorely needed. Promote respect, integrity and empathy, and make the world a better place.
You can do it!
Love it!!
ReplyDelete