I used to believe I could change the world. I wanted to make it a better place and that dream took me to South Africa. I couldn't have imagined the amount of suffering and poverty that I was to behold.
Seeing that amount of pain made me believe there was no way I could help. I am just one person - how could I possibly have imagined that I could make a difference? Then someone told me something that is only now beginning to sink in. You may only be one person but imagine if every drop of water in the ocean decided it wasn't important and so disappeared - there would be no ocean. It is the same with us. One person may not be able to change the world by themselves. But if everyone decided not to bother because they didn't feel they could change anything - nothing would get done. But if everyone does a little something, big changes can happen.
So I want to remind you that you are important. Your contribution to the world is necessary. If we work together, exploiting our strengths, we can change the world (and hopefully for the better).
What are your strengths? Any stories of changes you want to share? Please feel free to use this space to comment and discuss anything and everything.
2 comments:
When in Africa did you go? I went to Cote d'Ivoire in 98. Loved it.
There is much poverty there but what amazed me was the spirit of the people. Inspite of their difficult lives they were still able to smile, laugh. It was beautiful.
You are right. We can make a difference. Think about the horrible shooting that just happened. Maybe if one person had done something, maybe he wouldn't have followed through with his horrible plan.
I believe that every day I have the ability to reach out and touch people that come across my path. It might be just a smile, a hello, a shoulder to cry on, a card, money donated, anything. But it all has an impact. The most powerful impact is the one that touches me and changes me because I helped another!
Great post!
I'd love to know more about your time in South Africa. I was a volunteer in Indonesia in 2001.
Tara Maya
The Unfinished Song: Initiate
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