The Difference Making Way

Like many, I practice a difference-making way of life. I take pride being amongst those who walk through their days noticing what they can do, regardless of impact, size, or who's looking. It's a policy of looking for the difference to be made to others, rather seeking what can be done for me. Often, that amounts to smiling at a neighbor or not reacting audibly or physically to unbecoming comments or conduct. I believe keeping one's calm in the midst of an inflammatory setting takes work and matters. It means I give what I can, although modest, in terms of money to causes I deem worthy. Regularly, that means I mentor low or no-income diaper-aged parents regarding life's challenges; picking up litter on my city's streets; being a board member at a local education and resource center; volunteering at a homeless shelter; speaking out and acting when I see bullying, and giving advise - when asked. Likely the most significant sharing that I do is to share my attention by noticing what's going on around me. I make it my practice to appreciate. I like putting into words to let another person know that I appreciate their style of dress, their tattoo (even though I have none myself), the colors they wear, their efforts, or their caring ways. It's about appreciating the smallest element of our humanness. I do this because I see that we live in a credit-starved world. We crave to be noticed... we like to be appreciated - whether that be a badly needed item such as groceries, housing, or simply us as another person. Because we are human, we are worthy of all good things.