Changing the World Always Begins With Small Acts
When people ask me about Giving Back it’s usually because they feel overwhelmed by the idea of where to start. They are also often concerned with whether or not the good that they will do will really make a difference.
I want to tell you right here and now, unequivocally: WHATEVER YOU DO MATTERS...NO MATTER HOW SMALL THE ACT.
Never mistake your inability to do everything with your ability to do something to make the world a better place. You are a powerful presence for good on the planet. Let’s start there. :)
Every movement started off with an idea. You can’t get much smaller than that. They then took that idea and found other like minded people to help them bring it to fruition. Some became large organizations...others started small and remained so, because it wasn't the size of the good that they were doing it was the size of the hearts working together to change the world that mattered.
I always tell people to stop worrying about how much good you can do and just act. If you focus on the fact that you only have $5 to give, you’ll be less likely to donate it even though that organization will be grateful for gifts of any size. If you focus on the fact that you don’t have time to volunteer, you’ll miss the woman on the corner that you see everyday who’s just looking for a meal and will appreciate the half sandwich that you couldn’t finish at lunch. It all matters. It all counts.
Once you set your intention to do your part to change the world, you are in fact creating the change that you wish to see.
I was on the train this weekend and a woman got on and started asking for help. In all honesty, here in New York, it’s easy to tune need out. There are hundreds of people a day asking for help. I fight the urge to tune out every day. It’s a really powerful moment to remain present to the human being in front of me and listen in earnest to what they need. She was asking for cash and feminine items. Now I didn’t have any cash on me, but I did have a few tampons and pads in my purse. In the moment of her ask, I was hit by how much the smallest gestures really matter. We’re both women who at some point in the month will need these supplies. I will be able to get them readily but she may not be able to. I saw her. I heard her heart. I reached into my purse and handed her all of the items that I had. She thanked me and said that it was just nice to have her own things. I told her that I understood and that I was happy to help.
I share this with you, not to pat myself on the back but to show you just how powerful and necessary small gestures truly are. And to remind you that these moments are possible each and every day. You need only set your intention to be of service, Give Back and help make the world a better place. Then keep your heart and eyes open for opportunities to spread kindness everywhere that you go.
Small Acts are important and so are you. Never forget that you have the power to help change the world. Let's do it together!
Gail Anderson, CGO (Chief Giving Officer) Giving Back With Gail Feel free to share this blog with anyone you think might enjoy it and as always I relish your comments.