You Are More Important Than You Realize

I recently re-heard an old fable that I really like and want to share it with you because I think it is such a valuable lesson that we can all be reminded of every now and again. For example, we hear time and time again during election cycles that a vote doesn't matter so why bother anyway. Or how it doesn't matter if you help with something because you are just a single person making a small contribution. Everything we do either makes a direct impact or reminds someone that they can contribute in their own way.

I ask you to look back in your life and think of the single moments that meant something to you, whether it be a kind word from a person, help you didn’t expect and so on. Remember, you can make those moments for other people, too.

Without further delay here is the fable I want to share with you. I bet you've heard it. It's about a boy and starfish on the beach, and has been told in various versions throughout the years.

One day an older man was walking along the beach and came upon a boy who was throwing a starfish back into the water. He said, "Young man there must be thousands of starfish washed onto the shore, you can't help them all." The boy looked back at the man and said, "That may be true, but I helped that one."

What you do and who you are is more valuable than you realize. Whether for you or someone else, this week I encourage you to do something you’ve been putting off because it has always seemed insignificant.