Changing the World
I recently attended a workshop on how to write a personal history. The teacher emphasized that our lives and experiences would be important to our children and grandchildren even if, to us, our lives seem pretty ordinary and not worth recording. I leaned over to my friend and said, "I think my life is extraordinary." I think my friend thought I was kidding.
I wasn't.
When I was a teenager, I decided to change the world. I recycled. I turned off lights that weren't in use. I conserved water. I took public transportation when possible. I never littered. I didn't wonder how one little person doing such little things could possibly make a difference. I knew that if everybody did little things, it would make a world of difference.
I continue to change the world with little things. I believe I change the world by being a good mother. I try to be positive in my online interactions. I try to be kind to strangers, including salespeople. I try to drive politely. I share my beliefs and testimony when I can. I know my influence is small, but it is big enough to be meaningful.
I believe my life is extraordinary. My day-to-day responsibilities and interactions have purpose and meaning. I don't think my life is better than anyone else's. We all live extraordinary lives. My life is filled with extraordinary people. I see you everywhere. And we are all changing the world--for better or worse.
This perspective helps me find great contentment and fulfillment and peace.
1 comment:
And that's why you're my favorite person in the world. Or one of them.
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