My students often ask me if one life can really make a positive difference for others. “Can my life and what I do make a difference?” they ask. “Why not” is usually my first reply? It is not the number of people whose lives are touched and positively affected by you that matters. It is the quality, not the quantity of your touch that can make your life purposeful, worthwhile and well-lived.
Small actions can make a big difference. You may be familiar with the “Butterfly Effect.” A scientist named Edward Lorenz discovered that butterflies flapping their wings in one part of the world produce wind currents in another place which can even result in hurricane force winds. An action so small and yet it causes a huge outcome. This is not only true for butterflies, but even more so for you and me.
Even the life of an animal can make a positive difference for others. My dog Sky died last week. He was over 18 years old and had a great life. After his death I realized how much Sky had touched, changed and improved my life. He was a kind and gentle soul. Even the meanest dogs became calm and friendly in Sky’s presence. He taught me a lot about love, kindness, patience and unselfishness. I am a better person for having known him.
If butterflies and animals can make a positive contribution to the lives of others, so can you and me. One life, your life, can make a difference.
Copyright 2010. Raymond Gerson
Best regards,
Raymond Gerson
