A community isn’t built or befriended,
it’s connected by offering and accepting.
Community is affinity, identity, and kinship
that make room for ideas, thoughts, and solutions.
Wherever a community gathers, we aspire and inspire each other intentionally . . . And our words shine with authenticity.
Does It Matter that We’re Here?
So many people are in the world. So many problems large and small. We watch and maybe wonder where we fit, what we might do. So many days it can seem that any effort is sure to fail. How could one person possibly make a difference in the world?
Here’s what Chris Cree said . . .
My suggestion is to start where you are and do what you can.
Iâm reminded of the story of the grandfather walking the beach where thousands of starfish had been stranded by the tide. As he walked along he would reach down grab a starfish and toss it back into the sea.
His grandson asked him why he bothered. With all those stranded starfish there was no way he could really make a difference.
As he held up the next starfish the grandfather responded, âTo this one starfish I can make all the difference in the world.â
A successful and outstanding blogger said that.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
Heya Liz! Interesting that you bring this back around now. I recently finished reading a book called The Slight Edge (by Jeff Olsen) that is kind of along these lines.
Olsen’s point is that we achieve (or make a difference) not so much in big bold strokes. Rather we really make a difference by the compounding of many many tiny strokes over time.
Most of us know what we need to do to achieve. Yet we don’t do it. Part of that is that we tend to wait for the right opportunity for the bold stroke instead of just taking the small strokes that are in front of us today.
The collective voice of “why bother?” also challenged Teresa of Calcutta as she gathered the dying from the ditches. Such resistance is to be expected, dealt with kindly, and in the end, probably not to be engaged in debate. There comes a point where only in the doing can we have the effect needed to change the world. That work always starts with what’s right in front of you (especially when it’s a mirror…)
Hi Liz
I know that if I do what I wish other would do. If I live my life the best that I could ask of anyone to be. Then my world is the best world it can be for me. I believe that if we all look within for the best, we will change the world. It all start with me, and the rest will follow.
Giovanna Garcia
Chris,
I know that every bit of difference we make doesn’t seem much at the time, but so often people come back and say what’s become of something. It’s amazing what a small thing grow into.
I’m glad you saw this. It’s good to hear your voice around here. 🙂
Richard,
I’ve come to look forward to reading the words you leave. You inspire me with your thoughts. “Why bother?” because we’re better when we do. 🙂
Giovanna,
You live your life as an example. Your voice and your smile show it. If people only knew how deep they truly go. You’re a star. 🙂
Spreading Joy Corporation (www.spreadingjoycorp.com) was founded this year because of the “why bother” thought. We have got to get out of the mind set of giving big or nothing at all. Every little act matters, every little deed counts, every little thing adds up. When you add up everyone’s little thing and you have trillions of little things – then that is HUGE. But – you have to rise above the discouragement and simply start doing. You have to start where you can and do WHAT you can. If you can only do things that are “free” or give your time – then start there. If you are financially well off and can give financially – then start there. The key is GETTING STARTED. Looking for ways to give will become second nature – if you are doing it every day.
Giving also helps the giver – we get unspeakable joy from doing for others.
Marie,
Joy Corporation sounds like a wonderful idea. Thank you for letting us know that you’re out there. 🙂