Monday, March 13, 2017

How To Make a Difference

Do you ever question your purpose in life? I often find myself wondering, is this all I get to do or offer? I get into trouble when I start comparing. I know better than to do that but I do it anyway. And I find I never really measure up. At least, not in my mind.

I look around at the women I know and I wonder how in the world they have the energy, and ingenuity to do the things they do. They are active and positive no matter what they're up to. They have wonderfully creative ideas and implement them. They have exorbitant amounts of energy and get things done every single day.

I seem to lack motivation and energy.

What am I doing? Compared with these women, nothing. I seem to lack motivation and energy. Not to mention the wherewithal. But do we really need to be visually changing the world to be making a difference? To have a purpose? Maybe not.

Do you try to make others smile? Do you encourage others? Do you pray for people? Do you take the time to listen to a friend? A child? Do you take care of a pet? Do you spread kindness?  Do you smile at others? Do you give support, not necessarily financially but by helping out? Do you donate either materials, money, or your time to a charity or a local school? Do you recycle?

What we do does not have to be headline worthy.

When my checklist looks like that then, yes I have a purpose and I am making a difference. What we do does not have to be headline worthy. The little things we do on a daily basis make a huge difference in someone's life. When we smile at the cashier in the grocery store and share a pleasantry or two, we leave them with a happy feeling.

We may never make the sort of difference that lands us on the front page or be asked to speak a TED Talk or be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. But does that really matter? If we're looking for rewards, our motivation is way off.

I do have a purpose.

So the answer is, yes. I do compare myself to others and wonder if I even have a purpose in life. But the answer is also, yes. I do have a purpose. When I see my four amazing daughters and know they are happy and see them making a difference in the world around us, standing up for what is right, taking a stand when it's not popular to do so, getting out there and spreading their messages of love, peace, happiness... I know I not only have a purpose but one that reaches out and touches the world in a positive way.



How are y'all making a difference? 



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18 comments:

  1. Your post came at a perfect time for me. Thank you.

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  2. Lots of food for thought Pam.
    Have a wonderful day.

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    1. Thanks, Kim. My mind works in mysterious ways. LOL You have a good one, too!

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  3. Excellent post. You definitely had a special purpose today because you've made me feel better about myself. Thank you.

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    1. I'm so glad! It makes a difference to make a difference. If that makes sense. :) Thank you for letting me know!

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  4. BabyM is such a cutie!! Let's see, I hadn't really giving my purpose much thought until you posed the question. Good grief...gotta give this some serious thought! I did have to chuckle at the word choice. Have you ever seen the Steve Martin movie "The Jerk"? He had a 'special purpose'! LOL

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    1. Hahahaha! I loved that movie! I think you're purpose is making people laugh and feel good about themselves. :) Isn't she the cutest little thing? :)

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  5. comparisons are tricky and can defeat your motivation. I agree with your conclusion. Parents are key to our future. So are many other professions but those celebrities without talent or good causes just waste our time.

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    1. Absolutely. My grandmother always told me not to compare my girls with one another or any other kids. I didn't. I guess she should have told me not to compare myself either. Ha!

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  6. Great post my friend. I'm pleased to say that I can tick all the things on that list, although I do t have a pet. I've alwYs loved that quote about the Starfish. I help raise funds for our local Childrens' Hospice and that quote is in the wall of the Hospice. I would say that you do more than your fair share! You look after little Marcy, which is a great thing in itself. Then you run your business with the coasters and notecards. So be proud Mrs Lofton!! ❤

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    1. You're the best! I love the way you're always so positive and encouraging. I need you to come over here and give me a daily pep talk. :) I first saw that quote from parents of a child with autism I tutored. They were the sweetest. Thank you, Diane!

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  7. Two great ways to make a difference are to be alive and connected and to really give a damn and learn how to listen

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  8. This hits a bit close to the heart for me too. Struggling with what I am supposed to do with my life. Starting over divorced, 'not formally employed', and with 2 adult sons where do I begin and questioning my own dreams and struggling to have the energy and motivation. Great share to remind me what I am doing is okay and everything's going to be alright

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    1. That's a lot of life to be dealing with at one time. But yes, you're doing fine and it will be alright! And I'm right here if you need to chat. :)

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  9. Love this post :) Thanks from Grammy Dee, #WednesdayAIMLinkParty, social media shared.

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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! It makes me feel connected to everyone even though we may live far apart! Have a wonderful day!

 
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