What is a significant contribution to the world?
Dear friend,
Every society has its own standards
for what is a significant contribution
to the world.
These standards change over time.
They also shift in relation
to the historical moment we are in.
Some standards may be valid, some not.
If you are an original thinker
others may not understand your contribution.
They may not recognize or value
the work you do.
You may labor in obscurity
if not disdain.
So what.
Having an original mind
means you have the potential
to be a leader.
And the world is more in need of leaders
than followers.
Having your own standard of significance,
not subject to social pressure,
is essential.
You will develop your standard
in accordance with your own beliefs and values.
As you evaluate the contributions of others,
you will form criteria for evaluating your own.
Trusted people who share your values
will support and strengthen you and your efforts.
Their perceptions of your evolving work
will be worth considering,
but they are not your judge.
You will know
You will know
when you have produced work of lasting value.
You will know
when you have made
a significant contribution to the world
whether the world recognizes it or not.
We have never heard of
most of the creative and original men and women
who gave us the best
that was in their soul.
But we have benefited immensely
from their gifts and their devotion.
Some gifts people give
Some gifts people give are large.
Some gifts are small.
And some gifts people give
may seem small
but are huge…
a poem
a smile (thank you Kamala)
a vote
Your fulfillment
It is far worse not to give your gifts
than for your gifts to be unrecognized.
Be fulfilled in the giving.
Let knowing
that you are giving
to the world
the best that is in your soul
…your best poem
…your best smile
…your best vote
be your recognition.
It doesn't take much to make a "significant contribution". A call to a friend who might need help. Volunteer work is satisfying and "makes a difference". Grow some food and give away most of it. The possibilities are endless.
And as we plod through life, if we could ask ourselves this question: "Are my actions apt to leave the Earth a little better than I found it? Or not."
Of course, you mentioned voting. For most of my life, I had an opinion as to who I should vote for. But I always thought "this is America, even if the other person wins, we will be OK."
Such is not the case. Saying that this is the most important election in our history is not an overstatement. It is a terrifying truth.
Vote Blue No Matter Who. Maybe next time the GOP will field some candidates worth considering. Let's hope so.
There is no doubt that you have given.