What I have to say is certainly NOT breaking news, as a matter of fact its not news at all. I could understand if its not viewed as important for anyone but me.
But as we have all been struggling with the state of our society and world for so long now, I begin to wonder what I’m doing, if its enough and if we’ll ever be successful in turning things around.
I go back and forth with where to best put my efforts. But nothing I can imagine doing, especially alone, seems to have even a small chance of making a difference.
That’s why last week, when several people in my small world reached out to me to talk about their lives and struggles, and I listened, I felt more powerful and hopeful than I have in a long time. As they say, its often the little things.
Then there was the fact that I saw the following poem twice in two days during the same week. Seems the universe had a lesson for me, and I had some things to learn.
To laugh often and much,
To win the respect of intelligent people
And the affection of children,
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
And endure the betrayal of false friends,
To appreciate beauty,
To find the best in others,
To leave the world a bit better,
Whether by a healthy child,
A garden patch
Or a redeemed social situation,
To know even one life has breathed easier
Because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded!
Ralph Waldo Emerson
I’m going to take some time to not only count my blessings, but my “successes” as well. And then I’ll carry on.
