YOU can Change the World
by Wendy, www.retirement-online.com
YOU CAN CHANGE SOMEONE'S WORLD...
ME? Change the WORLD? Surely You Jest?
Seriously, you can change the world right around you... every little bit counts!
Mahatma Gandhi once said,
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” The wonderful thing about doing this is that you can set off chain after chain of positive events. One small thing you do can have repercussions all around the world.
Whatever positive actions you want to see more of, take responsibility to just jump in and do it!
When you show the world your willingness to be positive, others follow your lead, and before you know it, you’re changing the world one action at a time. There’s no better way to effect positive changes in the world.
If you’re stumped about what you can do to make the world a better place, try these ideas: Listen to what others say, without interrupting. It sounds simple, and it's not. We all jump in and cut others off in conversation. Truly listening and then responding to what they say makes them feel valued – like they matter – and that’s one positive change you just produced. In being around you, they learn to do the same and spread the concept to others, who then repeat the process.
Give away some "stuff". You probably have items in good condition that you don’t use anymore. Pack a box full of things you no longer use and take them to a local charity.
Someone will truly benefit from your stuff and you’ll both feel good about your action.
Do something to help others. Research charities you’re interested in and then offer to help. Volunteer to help the world.
Maybe you’re an accountant and could do their accounting at no cost. If you’re a maintenance worker, offer your “fix-it” services to charity offices.
You could knit or crochet blankets, baby hats, and shawls for local hospitals, hospices, or nursing homes.
Organize a volunteer effort to assist a group of individuals. For example, collect boxed foods and blankets and ship them to US military bases all over the world. If you’re aware of the needs of a certain group, start your own local efforts to assist.
I like to pay for a meal anonymously. Just pay the clerk for the next person who drives up! OR Deposit change in vending machines and walk away. A simple and fun way to “pay it forward” is to put enough change in a vending machine so the next person that walks up can receive a drink or snack for free.
Pay for a family’s dinner when you’re dining out. You have a golden opportunity to change the world by anonymously paying for a family’s meal. If you like, have the server give them a note onto which you scribbled, “Pass it on.”
or "Paying it Forward."
Adopt a family. During the Christmas holidays, you won’t need a lot of money to share the holiday spirit with others. Through local churches or social service agencies, you can “adopt” a local family.
The church or organization provides you with the first names of a nuclear family’s members, their genders, and ages so you can purchase 1-2 gifts for each of them. Sometimes, the list you’re given provides you with clothing sizes and gift ideas for each family member.
You can effect more positive change in the world around you than you realize. Strive to do helpful, giving, and caring actions for others. Demonstrating kindness is truly contagious.
Live a passionate life by changing the world one action at a time.
