Gratitude

What does it mean when we receive "thanks" from others? How does it impact you to know you have made a difference in someone else's life... even if it's just a tiny glimmer of hope or a brief moment of emotional calm? What does it mean to feel valued? To feel your efforts are worthwhile and carry a greater purpose beyond your own limited imaginings?

I think sometimes we choose to do things that feel as if they are in vain. Or they are selfishly motivated. Or that - even if we have an inkling they may impact other people on some higher level - we don't truly believe it will be that big of a deal. It's just me. Doing what I do. Or doing what I think I'm supposed to be doing. Even though I have absolutely no idea what to do and am just totally making it up as I go along.

My guess is, we all share that boat sometimes... sailing out in unsheltered, uncharted waters. Trying to find our way with a wonky compass and a vessel that feels too small and too untested for the task ahead.

But you do matter. That's my belief, at least. You impact hundreds of thousands of lives in the course of your one lifetime... and you touch people every day. Now, maybe sometimes you spread ripples of frustration, or fear, or anxiety, or anger. But - I'm guessing - you also send out ripples of kindness, caring, generosity, creativity, and beauty.

We all want to feel like we matter. Not only to ourselves, but to others as well. And the funny thing... the very humanly paradoxical thing is: We all do. Without even trying. We're all spun together in this chaotic, quixotic, chimeric, and often silly event called life... and so our actions (be they small or large) inevitably shift the world around us.

So what will you do with all that power? What is the balance between personal and social responsibility? Between selfishness and selflessness? What is the path you choose to tread if you know it is not all in vain?

You do matter. You are making a difference.

Thank you.