Many years ago, one of my college friends named Gina Foster had relayed a bit of wisdom that I treasure. She said that she endeavored to “live significantly,” and that she does.  I knew instantly what she meant and agreed that it was my mission too. It isn’t about merely taking up space on the planet and isn’t a call to focus on what happens after we pass. Certainly, each of us leaves a legacy, for better or worse and most folks would rather be remembered fondly. In my mind, it indicates a willingness to make a difference in the here and now.

Every day presents an opportunity to show caring, to respond to a need, to reach out beyond the familiar and stretch comfort zones. As Albert Einstein said; “Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”

For some, living significantly means making a big splash, getting noticed and having a huge impact on a lot of people. What if it really meant touching one life who went on to reach out to others and pay it forward and you were simply the catalyst for that chain of events? Could you accept being a supporting player, rather than being cast in the starring role?  It has taken many years for me to embrace that possibility, since I have always loved being center stage and have been the wind beneath the wings for others. Who knows how many lives you have positively impacted as a result of doing that yourself?

My way of doing that remains communicating through the written and spoken word. It requires being a haven for healing hearts and my own. What I do matters and what you do matters. As I endeavor to live significantly, I offer encouragement for everyone else to do that as well.

Photo Credit:  The Glory of Friendship by katerha/everystockphoto