Recently, President Barrack Obama said, "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change we seek." As a nation, we elected our president based on the promise of change. President Obama has asked us to take up the cause and be a part of something bigger than ourselves. We're the ones that need to keep it going. Change is in the journey, it's not the destination. It's what we do everyday in our lives to make the world a better place.
We all have the potential to be part of the change. We all have the skills necessary, the talent, the abilities; we just need the right avenue to explore. Different perspectives are part of what makes our country great. Each perspective offers a different view to a cause to be passionate about. There are so many needs out there that whatever you can do can make a difference. You may never get an award, you may not even get a thank-you, but what you will get will be so much more. Einstein once said, "Only a life lived for others is worthwhile." When you freely give of yourself you will earn the peace of mind that you did what you could. When we look outside of our own experience, we can positively affect the world because we were in it. And, as an added benefit, the fastest way to feel better about your life is to help someone else improve theirs.
We're not all cut out for public office, and we may not all be cut out for the Peace Corps or the PTA, but everyone has something to offer. Often times, people want to help and just don't know how or where they can help. For others, finding the time in their already busy schedule proves most challenging. Finding the right cause for you and for the time you have will prove most beneficial for everyone involved.
Even little things we do can have a huge impact, one that we may never even know about. A friendly smile to a stranger just might change that person's whole day. Checking in on elderly neighbors may save someone's life. Picking up litter may prevent the destruction of the soil or protect an animal. Telling a co-worker you really appreciate their efforts, may be the only recognition they receive for a job well done.
If you're blessed with the gift of creativity, you can make birthday cards for foster children or thank-you cards for our troops around the world. Amateur photographers can take photos at an event and donate them to event organizers. For those who love to sing and/or dance, you'll always find a ready audience at the local nursing home. If writing is your passion, offer your services to a non-profit cause or create a blog. For someone that likes to get dirty, do some yard work for your local park, church or school.
Maybe you're someone who prefers to work with animals. Most local shelters welcome volunteer dog walkers, and the dogs really like it too! Hanging bird feeders and birdbaths around the yard help support our fine feathered friends. If you're interested in animal rights but would prefer a less "hands-on" approach, try delegating one meal a day or one day a week to eating only vegetarian meals.
Culturally speaking, most museums need volunteer docents. Performing arts groups depend on "behind the scenes" help with everything from costumes to bookkeeping. And, gallery owners can rarely afford to pay greeters, newsletter proofreaders, or building maintenance workers.
Maybe you're someone who is interested in a more global impact. Recycling, everything from paper to plastic to motor oil and even your old television is one of the best ways to help our planet. This is one of those little things that you can do at home that really adds up. Carpooling to work or using public transportation can make a positive impact on our environment. Practicing random acts of kindness out in the world creates a more harmonious environment for us all. And if nothing else, remember the teachings of the Dalai Lama, if you can help others, do; if you cannot do that, at least do not do them harm.
No comments:
Post a Comment