Making a Difference

I have a daunting fear. I have a daunting fear that I'm doing it right.

That I'm taking the right path. That I'm doing enough. That I'm making a difference. That I'm doing what I'm here to do.

We all have fears, and this is mine.

Mine haunts me as I try to make life decisions. Mine hinders me in my day-to-day tasks. Mine sometimes causes regret, (a lot of) worry, and (even more) second-guessing.

But I don't want to feel that anymore.

Because, why should I?

Today, I woke up to a text message regarding a recent piece of writing I shared.

To know that my experience, my obstacle that I was reflecting on, may have actually helped others— it's incredible.

I'm all about grand gestures and noble acts. If your life takes you across the world on a volunteer trip, I applaud you. If your work ends up in the national eye for helping others, I am already proud of you. If your daily life consists of making a difference and meeting those you are helping, I am almost jealous of you.

But maybe, we don't have to receive an award or give a famous speech. Maybe, we just need to live.

Maybe we need to emulate compassion in our daily lives. Maybe we need to realize that by doing what we're doing each day, we are doing enough.

That each hello is making a difference. That each listening ear is impacting someone's life. That each story told is affecting the way another thinks.

That each gesture you make, each interaction you have– it all matters, and it's all what you're here to do.

You're here to live a life with others.

Pressing share on my writing isn't always easy. Pouring my heart and mind into this text box isn't always easy. Hearing people criticize me for having a cliche blog isn't always easy (I'm aware, thanks).

But hearing others tell me that, "hey, I needed this today" or "I really look forward to your blog posts, they always hit home," that's why.

That's why I do it. That's why I know I'm making a difference, even though it doesn't always feel that way.

That's why I realize the value of connections, of emotions, of experiences, of relationships.

That's why, this fear that I have, it's not a fear at all— because I overcome it every single day.

Make every action, word, and interaction count. Make it all memorable.

Make it all matter.