Lindsay Likes...Trying to Make a Difference

Every time I throw trash away I picture it clogging up sections of the Earth. I see the piles of flattened junk, the putrid food, the countless trash bags of all shapes and sizes and I start to get a little nervous. The images hit me with a powerful surge of urgency imploring me to act-to help. I try to recycle even when it's not convenient. Rinsing out plastic containers, bringing home empty bottles of water and hauling heavy recyclables out to the big blue bin in my alley, recycling requires dedication and vigilance. Sometimes, I reach under the sink for a paper towel and quickly pull back my hand thinking again of all that paper weighing down the Earth and falling into the Sea. When I can, I beg my family members to think before they use. Stop with the paper plates, the red cups, the water bottles, the rolls of paper towels and the excessive use of shopping and grocery bags. Recycle! Think. Believe me I'm not the most eco-friendly person around. But, I try. The small things you do can really add up. http://www.reuseit.com/

Besides trying to think of the Earth, I try to think of other people. No, I'm not a perfect "do-gooder," I know from time to time I hurt people's feelings, say the wrong things, act lazily and think selfishly. I give people "what the hell" looks and I've even been told I intimidate (I know I'm such a imposing figure!). But, as much as possible I try to live my life in such a way as to make people's lives better. I've found that the simple act of listening goes a long way in that regard. Not only listening in private conversations, but also staying in tune with all that goes on in the community. By listening and then by learning what our friends, our family and our community truly need we are better able to help them. Actively keeping our ears and eyes open, we are more inclined to think of others and more aware of how we can make a difference. Personally, I've found the easiest way to make a difference is by using the words "thank you." Throw in a little smile and mix in a "please," and you just might make someone's day. It's really that simple.

I know all this sounds cheesy but it's the little things that really do make a difference. I'm reminded of a penny contest in high school. Each class had a week to collect pennies to be donated to the Make a Wish Foundation for a Christmas toy drive. http://www.wish.org/ When the week ended and the plentiful jars of pennies were counted, the school had raised hundreds of dollars. Nearly worthless coins alone, together the pennies became a meaningful gift. Every tiny bit we give, be it our time or our money, does some good.

Personally, I know I do not do enough good. I get busy, tired, unmotivated and caught up in myself. There are endless demands as well as endless opportunities beckoning each of us in all directions. What's more, considering the incredible need in the world, even when we try to help it's easy to feel overwhelmed as well as unhelpful. Where does one begin? What can I, just one busy person, do to make a difference in this crazy world? For me, I know that in the scheme of things my actions may go unnoticed, they may not move mountains, but I like to think they do make a small difference. Why not try to do something rather than worry that it will not be enough?

Believe me there are countless ways to help improve our world. Need some inspiration? Search online for volunteer opportunities in your community or check out the NBC Nightly News segment, "Making a Difference." http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/ Remember even the smallest acts help. Don't let this busy world overwhelm you, take a minute. Slow down. Think. Try. You'll make a difference-to someone, to something, to yourself. As a wise man told me today, "To help others is to help yourself."

I like trying to make a difference.