Making a Difference

It does not take much to make a difference or have a positive impact on someone's life. The fundamental need and willingness to uplift the life of a single individual or many is simply rooted in selflessness. The gift of giving is taught in the texts of many religions, although not practiced widely across cultures due to the confines of selfishness. A mere sharing of food, and time, or donating to causes that truly make a difference is no doubt a sincere act of selflessness. We live in a world of greed, filled with ambitions without merit and gratitude, where most people seldom stop and think about people who face hardships every day. Kindness, humility, and compassion are often limited to those who truly make a difference daily since they are instilled with empathy and understanding for all.

"No one has ever become poor by giving." - Anne Frank

"Life’s persistent and most urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I did not have the financial ability to give, although I did have an opportunity to mentor and volunteer when I was able to. Caring for others is an innate human trait that is often forgotten, and is sometimes misguided by “Why should I?” Nonetheless, the simple act of caring is both maternal and paternal in its origins and is carried forward for generations. Our individualist society has evolved to become the haves and have-nots, and most of the wealthy among us are blinded to the suffering of others. The hopes of a utopian society are often dreamed of by an optimistic few, while a balanced society is both realistic and achievable for all. We can make a difference if we choose to, although the elite in today's society prefers the divided society and it is in their best interest to keep it that way.

"Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them." - Dalai Lama

“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”

— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sacrifices are sometimes misunderstood as weakness to those who have an abundance of everything, yet sacrifices are a trait of strength to those who value what little they have. We share one world but live different lifestyles, I sincerely believe that we all can help out a little. A level playing field is not much to ask for, or maybe it is just the optimist in me that wants that, while the realist in me reminds me to keep dreaming. It does not take much to make a difference in the lives that need it the most, and somehow the impact it has is monumental. We all have something to offer, and I sincerely believe that regardless of our individual educational, professional pursuits, and including wealth or lack of wealth, we all can truly make a difference in our society no matter where in this world we may live.

"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive," - Dalai Lama

“Helping hands are better than praying lips.” “Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you.” “Charity isn’t about pity; it is about love.” “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

– Mother Teresa