Making a Difference -You Just Have to Care…

The current Coronavirus pandemic means life is even more challenging at present.

With wearing masks and restrictions often in place,  it is easy to lose sight of life’s preciousness and feel as if you are on your own and as if no one cares.

You and I may not be able to heal the world or stop the course of the pandemic –  but each of us shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that each of us has the power to make a difference in someone’s life.

I have just shared the following story with one of my clients.

It really struck a chord with them – and has inspired them to pick up the phone to chat for a while with an elderly neighbour.

I hope the following Starfish Story resonates with you also and that you feel inspired to carry out an act of kindness too.

“One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.” 

John F. Kennedy.

The Starfish Story

(Original story attributed to  Loren Eisley)

One day, a young boy was walking along a beach on which countless starfish had been washed up. As he walks a little further along, he notices an elderly gentleman picking something up and throwing it back into the ocean.

Approaching the man, he says, “I’m curious. What are you doing?”

The man replies, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The sun is up, and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back into the water, they’ll die.”

“I know you are trying to be helpful,” says the boy, “but don’t you realise that there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds and hundreds of starfish? You can’t possibly make a difference!”

After listening politely, the elderly man bends down, picks up another starfish and throws it back into the ocean.

Then, smiling at the boy, he says…. “I made a difference for that one.”

 “Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.”

Bob Kerrey

In today’s challenging world, it is more important than ever to live with love and support and look out for each other.

You don’t need to be brilliant or perfect to make a difference.

You don’t need to be rich, highly intellectual or successful.

You just have to have compassion; you just need to care.

Keep well, keep safe.

And if this story has resonated with you, make a personal commitment to carry out an act of kindness and compassion, right now, today.