Today is great reminder that we have the power to make a difference. Even something that seems small, like smiling at a stranger or letting someone else have the front parking space, can make a big impact. We never know what kind of a day a person is having and a small act of kindness can change their day.
Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love. — Mother Teresa
It’s easy to lose connection in this crazy technological world where we communicate over email, text, or teleconferencing. Yes, these all have a purpose. But in-person one-on-one time is vital to making others feel like they are being seen and understood.
There are many ways to make a difference—volunteer at a hospital, soup kitchen, food bank, clean up a beach or park, or offer your help at some organization that interests you. Run an errand for a neighbor, call a family member, or bring dinner over to a sick or grieving friend. By performing compassionate acts, not only does it help others, it reminds us to appreciate the gifts in our own lives.
The work does not have to be something big. Small acts of kindness can have profound effects. Just knowing that someone cares makes a big difference and helps others to feel that they are part of a community and are not alone. We may never know what positive impact we can have on a life. The “stranger” we see is actually our sister or brother. They are already part of our human community and may need our help.
One person can have a dramatic difference. Hearing the title, spiritual leader, might lead us to think of a pastor, a guru, or life coach. But anyone can be a spiritual leader. It is someone who knows the importance of the true power of connection and then serves others compassionately with this intent. Any effort in helping others that comes from the heart is my definition of a spiritual leader.
I believe small acts of kindness are some of the most cherished. When I was nine months pregnant, a woman bent down to tie my shoe. I didn’t even realize it was untied as I couldn’t see my feet. That was two and half decades ago and I still remember her kindness. This is great example of something that may seem insignificant was actually immensely powerful.
I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. — Maya Angelou
Go out and make someone feel special today. Not only can it change them, it can also transform you.
And do so with an open heart. Having an open heart is an easy way to show compassion and build connection. This means I am sharing myself with another to form a “we.” Everything is connected—there is no separation. Once we internalize this truth, we no longer feel isolated and alone. Compassion allows us to discover this bond, opening the door to love.
What you do matters, but how you do it matters even more. Fulfillment lies not in the work itself but in the quality and care you bring to it.— Dan Millman, The Four Purposes of Life
Open your heart and lead with your best intention. Be the inspiration you want to see in the world. Generosity and heart-felt actions go a long way in creating a better world. Each of us can make a difference in our own little corner. And together we can make genuine change for the betterment of humanity and the planet!
I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy. — Rabindranath Tagore, Bengali poet, Nobel Prize in Literature 1913
