How can I make a difference?
Tonight, I’m writing with a full heart as I burn the midnight oil. Recently, a few friends and I allied together and collected a large amount of donations for a local shelter during the coldest part of our winter so far. We collected lots of hats, jackets, blankets, gloves, sleeping blankets, and more for our community. It was incredible to see what one conversation can do for others. Today, I sat down with one of those friends and we talked about an organization she is a part of in our hometown. She told me about the education and opportunities they offer to oppressed communities locally and nationally! They even participated in collecting donations for the shelter I mentioned earlier! I was blown away by some of the facts she shared with me that she learned through her involvement and greatly impressed by what I did not know. It always brings me joy to witness people coming together and serving their community in loving ways. The impact one small act can have on an individual can change their life for the greatest. However, the impact from a large act facilitated by a whole group can save a community. How beautiful it is when a band of people come together and combine their energy and efforts for the greater good of all. Have you thought about getting involved? What organizations are active in your community? Which ones align with your integrity and values?
Sometimes, it might not be clear where to focus your energy and resources when there are so many opportunities out there to do so. It can start with the question, “how can I make a difference?”, but when we really aren’t sure where our place is in the world it can be hard to know where to start. So, I offer these reflections: What are you passionate about? Is it art? Is it books? Is it social justice? Equal rights? What lights you up when you talk about it or enrages you when you hear about it? Has your local park been needing repair and it hasn’t been done? Do your children have a place to play in the neighborhood? Are your neighbors facing hate crimes or harassment? Is your local government lacking anywhere? There is a wide variety of opportunity openly available to get involved, if one would like to do so.
“Making a difference” doesn’t always look like getting involved in local charities or joining organizations. Its true that not every one has the time or resources, and that’s okay too. How can we make a difference when we don’t have the extra time and resources then? I have not always volunteered my time and resources in the ways that I am fortunate to do now. I used to feel a loss sense of direction of where to go and how to start. So, for me, my way of making a difference rested in the way I treated others. My way of making a difference came out whenever I smiled at stranger or complimented someone. I chose to make a difference by holding the door for the next person coming through, listening after I told the cashier, “You can tell me how you’re really doing if you want to, it’s okay", and watching the tension melt off their face by getting the opportunity to be honest. I made differences by stopping for stray animals (on multiple occasions), offering my untouched lunch to someone asking for food, or by sending a text to a friend and telling them I love them. It’s not always those we don’t know that need a extra hand, its also those closest that we love the most, too. Most times, when we are helping a community of people we think we don’t know, we end up helping out ones we do know… and ourselves too.
Thanks for reading.
Love,
Kala
