Making a difference.

 


What does it mean to make a difference?  It turns out there are many answers to that question.  Ultimately though I believe that the answer ends up meaning that others have been helped in some way.  The key here though is that it shouldn't primarily be about your own best interests being served and that harm to others (collateral damage) be kept to a minimum.

We routinely think of policemen, firemen, coastguards, and others in the field of saving lives and preventing carnage as being heroes that make a difference every time they go on shift.  I certainly agree with that sentiment but I am thinking of people like you and me, those of us that don't put on a uniform and step into danger to make a difference.  What about us?

We have the ability to make a difference in the lives of others every day.  Perhaps not in a manner that would get front-page coverage, but certainly something to improve someone's day.  Whatever it is that makes a difference, your involvement has to be actionable - you have to actually do something.

The what, when, where, and how questions are open-ended, but the idea is to think of the needs of others before considering your own needs.  Some are in powerful positions and have money, influence, or the ability to lend a hand.  I would argue that these people are in a better position to help others and are morally bound to do so.  The Spiderman movie quote "With great power comes great responsibility" comes to mind.  If you are given a lot, you should give a lot.

OK, so that may not be you, maybe you are like me and really pretty average with nothing great to offer.  That doesn't mean you can't give, it just means that you can help in less dramatic ways.  Volunteer, talk to someone who is down, be a friend to others, share without expecting anything in return, forgive, help out in difficult situations, the list is endless.  The bottom line is that you can make a difference, you can be the difference.  

One day, my time here on Earth will be over.  I would like to think that others would think of me and say, "You know, he made a difference in my life."  We are not here to get, we are here to give.  So, be kind, and make a difference in someone's life.  It's the right thing to do.

Thanks for reading.   www.ericspix.com

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