Making a difference in life is easier than you think
Growing up, I never thought of myself as overly intelligent, innovative, or graced with unique gifts. I did know that I wanted to make a difference. After tenth grade, I wanted to become a physiotherapist, which my parents didn't approve of. University was a time of doubts, failings, and re-orientation. Working as a deputy manager at a bank with constant sales pressures made me realize that this wasn't what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. That led to periods of being lost, full of doubt and anxiety. The inner pressure to find my purpose so I could make a difference was unrelenting. I was convinced that making a difference required me to be well-studied and highly intelligent. A mover and shaker and a person of authority. My list of required attributes was endless, which only deepened my self-doubt and misery.
“If you think you’re too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito. ”
The turning point came when our pediatrician introduced me to homeopathy. I found the concept fascinating and the effects astounding. I am grateful to him since that encounter also brought me back on track to pursue what I was meant to do, helping people get better.
I believe that deep down, everyone wants to contribute to the well-being of others and our planet. Yet, it’s hard to avoid getting influenced by family expectations and the celebrity hype on social media. So many people start to believe that they have to be rich, famous, intelligent, and beautiful to make a difference.
Candlelight and Purpose
Think for a moment about different types of light sources.
Candlelight isn't the most substantial source of light, and yet, it has the potential to transform a small, dark room into a space that feels cozy and comfortable. No matter how barren the place, lighting a candle creates ambience. An intense spotlight, on the other hand, is overpowering and can make the same room feel overly bright, impersonal, and even uncomfortable. Both have their purpose.
Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash
Likewise, you too have a unique life mission. For this you brought with you a unique mix of qualities and abilities to fulfill your role. For example, you may have chosen to live the life of a leader, influencer, inventor, artist, philanthropist, or scientist. Or maybe the life of a farmer, mechanic, pilot, nurse, housewife, or accountant. In life, it isn’t the position, title, money, or pedigree that determines how much of a difference you can make.
In the earlier example of the candle light, this small light source has the power to make a space comfortable, even romantic. Equally, a small act of kindness can touch another person’s life and make all the difference.
No matter what you do, there are plenty of opportunities to be of service to others.
What does matter is being determined, committed, and courageous to follow through on your path and to see your dreams come true.
When you truly care for yourself, the people around you, and our wonderful planet, you will always make a meaningful difference.
Small Gestures - Big Impact
Touching the life of another person can happen in so many ways: a genuine smile, a warm touch, a meal, a word of encouragement, mowing the lawn for an elderly neighbor, listening to someone going through a difficult time, volunteering, supporting a child, and checking in on your parents more often, for example. Perhaps these gestures seem small to you, they can mean a world of difference to another person. It may even change their life.
You can make a difference.
Share from your heart whatever you have, be yourself, use your unique talents and abilities to connect with others, and inspire and motivate them to search within themselves for their passion and mission.
Photo by Pedro Kummel on Unsplash
Ask yourself how you can make a difference to others?
What can you do each day to leave things better than you found them?
You and your uniqueness matter - what are you waiting for?