Do YOU Want to Make a Difference?

I DO!!!!!   A resounding gong should have "gonged" after that statement! ;-)  I sit here reading some different news articles on CNN and am reminded about how in this life I just really really want to make a difference in the lives of others.  Is that selfish??  Who knows.......  I am faaarrrrrr from perfect, but I think that I have a decently good heart, and just want so much for those around me - especially those I truly care about.  However, I so often get caught up in the mundane day-to-day things and forget about what really matters - OTHERS!!!! 

I still don't know how to truly make a difference in the lives of those around me......  I hope that my subtle acts do.....whether that be a smile, an encouraging word, an encouraging card (those only come every once and a while.....sorry), or just being there to listen when need be.  But I want to be able to give more!!!  I just have such a deep yearning to truly help people.  I can't even completely explain it in words. 

Yet, sometimes I feel so helpless and overwhelmed at the thought.....  How am I able to do this?  In what ways can I make a difference?  Does it need to be in my daily occupation?  Does it need to be in some volunteer opportunity (which I rarely do), or is it right in front of my face?

I don't think this is the only way that I will "hopefully" help others one day.....but I do want to somehow become involved in suicide prevention, perhaps a hotline?  Though, I don't know that I will EVER be strong enough to do that having dealt with it first hand (with my stepdad).  That really makes me feel like such a wimp because I do have such a heart for helping others in need, but I don't think I could be strong enough to help them in their greatest time of weakness......  Now how selfish is that?  Granted, I had a few issues (suicidal students) I dealt with while working in Residence Life......but that was back in 2005.  But tonight I read about two different suicide cases.  My heart just hurts DEEPLY.  But I feel like in these two particular situations, and in my stepdad's suicide.......I don't think they even thought of asking for help.  So.....yes, there are hotlines available which are such a blessing......but what about those that will never even think of utilizing them???  How can we, how can "I" reach out to these broken hearts(perhaps just education)?  I just hate hurt......and really hate to think of others hurting.......

But I really don't think that is the only way I can make a difference (suicide prevention)......the only way I can help others.....but yet I haven't been able to figure out how to put this into practice (helping others in some way)....to truly make a difference. And again, maybe I think tooooo hard and am making it too hard on myself.  Of course, I LOVE postsecret........so a few examples of some of my thoughts (being the visual person I am)............

For example.....I want "this girl" and every girl or boy like her to know that they are perfect!!  Of course we all fall short....but we are all given gifts, strengths and abilities that can be used for the good!  I would want to encourage her to look at perfection differently...........SHE is special!!!!

For this person.....oh my heart aches!!  I would hate to think I couldn't be myself.....or to know I would be judged by those I love. I mean of course there are always aspects of ourselves we keep hidden.....but this is such a huge part of this person's life....it makes me sad that he/she would be unaccepted because of "who she/he is".......we need to throw out the judgemental mentality and LOVE others and be accepting!!!!!!  HUGS to this person!!!

Of course, I am sure this person is talking about a romantic relationship......but I also interpret this as.....HEY sometimes WE ALL need hugs!!!!  I wish that hugs were given and accepted more often (I truly think it would help others feel cared about)!!  I LOVE HUGS and think they can really make you feel special!!!!  If applicable........HUG AWAY!!!  Let others know you care!

Finally, from this loooong blog.....in which I do want to find a way to make a difference in the lives of others, I found this picture......and perhaps I should figure out how I am to help people - making that a goal today....like this person did:

My sentiments EXACTLY!!!!!

Oh how my heart longs to help others..............