Friday, December 21, 2012

How To Make A Difference In The World Through The Little Things

By Brandi Little


Few things are quite as depressing as listening or reading the news. There is so much violence and suffering that you may want to switch off and never leave your house again. However, everybody has the power to make this planet a better place. If you're wondering how to make a difference in the world, there are some basic things you can do.

You don't have to be a great leader or give up your life to go work in the slums of Calcutta to make the world a better place. For every Mother Teresa there are thousands of ordinary people who quietly go about doing something small that has a huge impact on others. You may think that what you're doing is too small to really mean anything, but if everybody does something small, it adds up like drops that form a great ocean. In time you may even find that you're doing bigger and bigger things.

Some of the simplest ways to have a positive impact are those little kindnesses you can show to others through the course of your day. You never know how something that you didn't even think about, can change another person's day. The woman you compliment on her beautiful dress may be walking on air for hours afterward. The elderly person whose shopping you helped carry may be in less pain tonight. The stranger you greeted with a smile may feel less lonely and invisible.

Another way to help is by volunteering. People who work in projects or organizations that try and help others often work long hours for very little money. These organizations are often grossly understaffed, so they will appreciate it if you can donate some of your time to lighten their task. For example, if you're ladling out the soup at the local soup kitchen, it means that one of the regular staffers is now free to write a proposal for potential donors.

Do some research and find a project near your home. You can also build some volunteer work into your holiday plans. You'll find that giving an orphan a little love and attention or releasing a newly hatched turtle into the ocean is a life-changing experience for you too.

Many projects close down because they just don't have sufficient funds for everything they need. You're able to help them by making donations, even if it's only a small amount of money every month. Even those possessions you don't have any use for can make a difference to others. For example, tatty old clothes can become warm and comfortable beds for rescue dogs.

Be aware of what is going on around you and speak out about injustices. However, don't just talk. Creating awareness can only go so far. Your power as consumer is much larger than you realize. Consumer boycotts have forced companies to end unethical practices. They have even brought down unjust regimes.

Whenever you wonder how to make a difference in the world, remember that all people, animals and the environment are connected. Treat others the way you would like them to treat you. Compassion and respect will create a better planet for everyone.




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