^{Photo by Joel Muniz from Unsplash}

“We rise by lifting others.”-Robert Ingersoll

This line encapsulates the very nature of humanity—our interconnectedness. It expresses how people are connected and inextricably linked to one another and how your success is also the success of others. But how?

That power lies in our very own hands. As you embrace empathy, making a difference is more than possible. Your compassion, especially your altruism in action, can totally make a difference. It is a life-changing act of kindness. You can make it happen, one act at a time.

But where do you even begin?

It Begins In Mind: Making a Difference Within

The 0km marker of your journey to make a difference starts here. It starts within and with you. You can never pour from an empty cup. To move forward in this selfless journey, you have to fill your heart with compassion and your mind to bring forth change.

However, a string of questions sometimes confuses you and makes you pause for a while.

How can I give to others when I don’t have the resources? How can I help?

The idea that resources are requirements to move further should be untangled immediately. While it’s true that resources are of great help in making an impact, they don’t stagnate you. Although the lack of it may somehow discourage you, the good thing is it will never stop or limit your chance to be of service to others. After all, there’s more than one way to help. Being a volunteer to organizations, sharing your time with the community, and exerting your efforts can definitely make you forge ahead.

The key to that is your mindset. Think that you can always make the most of something that you have. Eventually, all of those good intentions will be translated into meaningful actions, especially when they are fueled by your heart burning with flaming passion.

Ripple Effect of Positive Actions: Why is it Important to Make a Difference?

Like a pebble dropped into a pond, our actions create ripples that extend far and wide. Whenever we choose to do good things, it reverberates and extends to the people exponentially as it inspires others to do the same. Thus creating a ripple effect. Therefore, even the things that seem to be small in your eyes could potentially influence others.

Setting a good example is a positive ripple effect your society needs.

Volunteering

The community has existing groups advocating for societal causes. There are various government and non-government organizations that are very welcoming to interested volunteers who are ready to be part of their teams. If you’re having a hard time finding where to go, your heart will be your compass in guiding you to where to be a part of. Your passion and advocacy in life will surely lend a hand in making a choice.

As you give back to the community, you’re also building networks of individuals passionate about creating change in society. At the same time, it improves your social relationships and confidence as you get along with diverse people. When you set a good example through volunteering, you might influence others to do the same. Consequently, this will help mobilize the manpower of the causes.

Donating

Making a difference can also be seen through donating. In the same way that volunteering works, donating also has dedicated organizations mobilizing the work. The first thing that comes to mind is monetary donations, which sounds expensive.

But kindness is the other way around.

It comes in a plethora of forms and shapes. It could be in the form of donated stuffed toys to young kids, clothes given to homeless people, and even your time as you immerse yourself in charitable actions and activities.  

With A Mission

Susan Aurelia Gitelson, the author of Giving is Not Just for the Very Rich, exemplifies these actions as she shows altruism to UPLIFT (Urban People Living in Faith and Trust), a charitable organization in San Diego, California. Her book, Giving is Not Just for the Very Rich, a practical guide to altruism and making a difference to people, can really make a difference, as proceeds from it will benefit homeless individuals in San Diego.

Grab a copy of the book as a gesture of love and compassion to the people of San Diego. Be with them in their journey to a better life. By securing a copy, you can build homes and shelter for the charity, one book at a time