Are you a Difference Maker?
Naturally, I’m referring to positive differences.
How do you make a difference in other peoples’ lives on a daily basis?
Will your life’s legacy be one of making positive differences?
I believe that taking positive actions infuses the world with more joy. And who can’t handle more joy?
If you were to make a list of all the ways you make a difference in the world, how long would that list be?
Typically, when asked to make this list, people will discount the “small” daily things, such as: a sincere compliment, an encouraging word, some change in a charity bucket, cans of food for the local food pantry, volunteering time to help others, shoveling the snow off the neighbor’s sidewalk.
These are the little things which for which we will never be awarded a medal but will certainly make a difference in the lives of others. Taking just even one small positive action a day can make such a positive impact in the lives that surround you.
We can also make big differences – like Adam Cruthirds, a special young man who is determined to raise a million dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. (Check out Adams Army on Facebook) Or like Chris and Hal Nungester who started an orphanage in Haiti over a decade ago and so far have cared for hundreds of children. (www.hishomeforchildren.org)
These are very big things.
Big or Not-so-big – How you operate as a Difference Maker is your choice. The important thing is to do something.
As we enter the Christmas season, you might consider make a positive difference by giving gifts that help others and are “clutter-less”. Instead of giving Uncle Harry another unneeded pair of slippers, consider making a donation in his honor. There are thousands of charities and programs out there. Here are a couple that I support and have given as gifts:
• Heifer Project – www.heifer.org Give a gift of a chicken or a goat or a water buffalo that will help a family in need provide sustenance. Heifer Project will provide a card to give to Uncle Harry.
• Kiva Micro Loans – www.kiva.org Give a gift certificate where the recipient can choose to contribute to a small loan to a person or group who is willing to work but just needs some seed money to help realize their dreams.
You were born to be a Difference Maker! Create a Legacy of Joy!
