“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” Anonymous
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” Desmond Tutu
“See the light in others, and treat them as if that is all you see.” Wayne Dyer
“It’s the action, not the fruit of the action, that’s important. You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power, may not be in your time, that they’ll be any fruit. But that doesn’t mean you stop doing the right thing. You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.” Mahatma Gandhi
“If you are ever in doubt about which way you should travel, make a choice that contains the essence of goodness and love and then go in that direction. This way, you can have absolute faith that you made the right decision.” Molly Friedenfeld
I search all the time for goals and objectives. As soon as I reach one goal or tire from the effort and accept defeat, I begin the search for a new goal. Many people have confessed to me that they feel lost and close to worthlessness in their lack of contributions to society. They research highly motivational undertakings. Many attempt wild and difficult activities. I respect and admire such effort.The actions at times turn out negative results. Many people can’t keep up the pace or are overwhelmed with their being no end to the work and possibly no thanks for the effort and work. Some call it burn-out. No matter how lofty our ambitions might be, they can leave us in disarray. All our good ideas are dashed and we can feel ineffective. This perhaps can lead to our being immobilized, defeated and unmotivated to do anything at all.
Probably we bite off more than we can chew or we attempt to perform miracles and become disappointed when they don’t occur. I have found at times that I have barely made a dent in helping to alleviate anything. I sense my hands are tied. My ability is hampered by rules regulations and insurmountable problems I observe everywhere and on every level of society. It can overwhelm the mind with thoughts of helplessness to transform and change things for the better. Nothing appears to change.
This kind of thinking led me to travel down a different road and an alternate plan of action. I suppose it is not so glamorous when we offer to shovel for our injured friend. Nobody appears to want to pat us on the back. We may not be looking for praise but it is even hard for us to commend ourselves. I totally believe that simply being an approachable person is likely the best course of action we could ever take. If we reflect on this long enough we just might conclude what an awesome transformation in the world we would create. The world would have to be a better place from the amount of goodwill promoted.
Perhaps we all think too big when we are looking for goals. We also likely think unnecessarily beyond the parameters of our own worlds. Why we have lost the ability to acknowledge those within our vicinity who require support is confusing. Many times our objectives can be found in our own backyards. Maybe it appears too easy and unassuming to come to the rescue of a neighbor. We consider world aid, and needs of those far reaching places. I suppose it is not so glamorous to work with people we know.
It is at these moments we must question our motives for aiding anyone. If it is to assist someone in dire straits, then we don’t have to look far. Although it is admirable to help anyone who needs it. Wherever we attempt to do good, is generating love and peace all around us. It is not as if only certain people and places are in the category of requiring help. Our corner soup kitchen, school, fire department, thrift shop, church or community center accepts offers of help.
I also consider it commendable for just being there for those who want support. The neighborhood person whose door is always opened, and who quickly jumps in to assist others is such an asset to the neighborhood. The person who keeps peace with family members and overlooks transgressions and hurts is praiseworthy. I admire family members who aid and support each other even when they may not be on the best of terms. I also cherish those who forgive us when we are upset and recall better behavior and moments of helpfulness. They manage to see beyond the present us. We are not viewed in our current position but loved for the whole of us.
What does it take to see these people as saviors and helpers in pushing dark clouds away. Why don’t we acknowledge what a tremendous boost to the family, friends, community and society at large when such people throw in their energy. I feel sad at the amount of effort given to others, that is not valued as priceless. Many people do not recognize themselves as world changers yet they truly are. People offer ways to do things that make life easier or give a better way of living. It appears to be such a simple thing, yet the time and effort that was made for such a small action, may produce a large result of positive energy.
The next time we begin to believe we have nothing to contribute to others think again. We should review our lives and check on our many kind and worthy actions towards others. Even a phone call or visit to a friend can cheer someone up. When one builds a house they start with one brick or piece of wood at a time. When finished the product is a gorgeous house. The same is true with our many kind unnoticed actions. Every one of them that is added up on a daily and weekly basis, eventually creates a huge beneficial and positive miracle sent out to the world.
If we frown every day at others we send negative energy. If we smile at someone, even a stranger, I guarantee they can’t help but smile back. Somehow I know they understand we have acknowledged them as a meritorious member of our society. Through our simple smile we have spoken a speech. They know they are in sense connected to us through that smile. We have gently brought them into our circle if only for a moment and they sense the feelings of love and joy. We have dashed loneliness from their minds and bodies long after we walk away.
Never underestimate your ability to find fulfillment everyday in daily living. We all hold so much power within to create a finer world. If we are looking to promote change and positive alterations to our world we have no further to look than within ourselves. We ought to be able to sleep calmly every night knowing we have made a difference in the world through our daily actions. it won’t ever be necessary to question our goals and objectives. If we all work towards being a good and approachable person, the repercussions will present themselves.
As they say, we can all find problems with each individual we meet. There are imperfections in all. It is easy to find fault and blame. It is a bit more challenging to search for goodness in others. Perhaps it relates to jealousy. It doesn’t matter. If we start a new path for ourselves which involves an objective of finding goodness in everyone, it will make it easier to love and cherish all. Carry that further and you have world peace. It is accomplished by striving to be an approachable person.
“When you choose to see the good in others, you end up finding the good in yourself.” Anonymous
“What you do everyday matters more than what you do every once in awhile.” Anonymous
“How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.” William Shakespeare
“There is no greatness where there is not simplicity, goodness, and truth.” Leo Tolstoy
“Perhaps, if you weren’t so busy regarding my shortcomings, you’d find that I do possess redeeming qualities, discreet as they may be. I notice when the sky is blue. I smile down at children. I laugh at any innocent attempt at humor. I quietly carry the burdens of others as though they were my own. And I say ‘I’m sorry’ when you don’t. I am not without fault, but I am not without goodness either.” Richelle E. Goodrich
Always see the good in everyone…learn to see through God’s eyes no matter what…remember, the tables may turn tomorrow. You just never know!” Kemi Sogunle
