Feeling small in such a large world is a natural feeling amongst most people.  We all carve out a small piece of living space, and work space to call our own.  The world goes on when we pass to the other side, and yet we are trying to make a contribution.   How can one person make a difference you might ask?

Well, history shows that one person can, and in fact, has made a difference over and over.  There are great leaders that have made a difference, as well as others who never wanted to lead but ended up making great changes.  All of those people were just like everyone else, but decided that they wanted to make a change.  They never believed that one person cannot make a difference, and followed their passion.

What does it mean to “make a difference?”   There is a story about thousands of star fish that washed up on the beach, and a little boy picked one up and carried it to the ocean to release it back to the water.   When told that his attempts are futile for there are way too many star fish to make a difference, the boy replied with, “it made a difference to that one.”

When you look at the world and say, “there are way too many people for me to make a difference,” as you drive by a driver with a stranded vehicle, you might start thinking about a how you can start with one person at a time.   When you go to your favorite coffee shop for your morning fix, you might make eye contact with those around you in line.  You might even dare to have a meaningful conversation with them – knowing that you may never see them again.

It’s not about deciding and gauging what is “worth my time” but rather making use of each moment that you have.  Making use of the opportunity to connect with “one starfish” at a time as you go about your day.  The universe placed you next to these people without accident.   Figure out why you are to be placed by this person in line.  Maybe it is only to give them a much-needed smile – for everything is not about me, but rather about “us.”

The world is a large place but can be “zoomed in” to a minute amount of space where you stand.  Slowly widening the radius around you can allow for you to focus small and yet have a large impact.   When you begin to understand that each and every one of us is “connected” you realize that helping and connecting with whoever happens to be near you, allows for a connection around the globe.

Life is about relationships and connections.  Unlike what many people think and believe to be true – relationships are as important as the air you breathe and the water you drink.  The interesting thing is that a “relationship” may last only the brief moment while you all wait for your morning coffee, and yet it is those connections that fuel the soul.

Life is about love for your fellow neighbor that happens to be walking on the same planet Earth as you.   And yes, there are “neighbors” around the universe as well.  The question is what is your definition of a “neighbor?”  Do you draw some imaginary line a certain distance from your house, or do you consider everyone to be your “neighbor?”

InspiraCard

Neighbors span thousands and thousands of miles, for everyone in both the physical and non-physical planes are connected to you, and therefore are your neighbor.  Maybe it’s time we all start treating each other like a neighbor.

Written Thu Jan 2, 2014, 7:52 – 8:05 AM MT