Be Good, Be Better, Be the Best!
“The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.” ~Socrates
I’ve stumbled upon countless blogs and books written by people who say their purpose in life is to help people. This is my hope, as well.
“…it takes a better man to acknowledge goodness in others than it does to merely be good oneself. Anyone can criticize or accept praise, but initiating a positive exchange is a hallmark of a difference maker.” Scott Berkun (Microsoft Exec). Wow! Love this!
Still, I don’t know if it’s possible to completely relinquish ego, and I’m not sure if that’s such a bad thing. I suspect some of the people who invented or reinvented “big things” to bring safety to the scared, health to the sick, or opportunity to the poor were, at least on some level, driven by the desire to be remembered for making a difference. Again, not so bad.
It’s human nature to want to make a difference and not just do good things, but also be known for them. There’s no need to vilify that type of desire when you consider it’s primal in all of us. Survival of the Fittest, (thanks, Mother Nature), awards us that honor.
Much is uncertain in life, particularly what happens after we die. We can’t understand or control where we’re going, (my Faith is strong, yet I’m still afraid and I don’t think I’m alone there), but we can influence what we leave behind. Why feel guilty for natural human instincts… when those same instincts contribute to a lot of the good in the world?. We can do things both large and small, for others and ourselves, daily!
Here are some great ideas… gathered from numerous thoughts.
Make a difference in yourself, for the better. Such an inward difference always has rippling outward benefits.
Remember there are three poisons: greed, anger, and ignorance. Do not deny their existence, but rather turn them around and you have generosity, compassion, and wisdom.
Make it a habit to respect everyone. Enough said.
Operate from a place of love.
Be kind to others. In this busy world people become self consumed and forget that kindness goes a long way. I LOVE this one!
Talk to someone that you think might be in distress. You may make the difference of a lifetime.
Simply show up. Just put your soul into it. If you show up physically with the soles of your feet, the heart, mind, and soul will have a chance to follow or catch up.
Smile.
Be the change you wish to see in the world! Thanks, Mahatma.
Listen. Give. Do.
Teach others by example. Be caring, open minded, have good manners, and remember to smile.
Be a true you… positive energy attracts.
Love.
Find someone that needs a smile and give them that smile. Do this once a day for the rest of your life and like a ripple in a pond it will be carried onwards.
Learn to be aware of all the wonder we have around us. Let the past be in the past… not part of the future.
So, I ask very sincerely...
