You are More Powerful Than You Think
Action = Transformation
There are many great organizations and charities I love to support, and I so often wish there were more time and more money—I truly desire making a GIANT impact in this world. However, as I reflect a little further on this desire, I can’t help but realize how many opportunities are missed because we doubt the capacity of our simple, everyday actions.
There are many people, myself included, that have felt paralyzed when it comes to taking action, simply because of not knowing where to start, or what to contribute. The fact is, even the smallest of actions can be the start of a ripple effect, and its reach can create a positive chain of reaction that reaches far beyond our initial intention.
As the season of giving approaches, I wanted to share some of my favorite, heartwarming stories that have been posted over the years. Hopefully they will inspire you through the holiday, as well as throughout your life…
Give Random Acts of Kindness
A passerby noticed a car window was rolled down during a rainstorm and took the time to show kindness to a stranger.
Something that may take little effort and time on your part can turn into something that monumentally changes the course of somebody else’s day. Take the random opportunities life provides to give someone else a helping hand.
Give What You Have
11 year old boy personally wraps and hand delivers each box filled with a hat, hand warmers, food, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and other necessities to the homeless.
Maybe there are some things in your life that you’ve been taking for granted. How could you bless others with what you have?
Give Acknowledgement
A Group of Christians that showed up at the Chicago Gay Pride Parade to apologize for homophobia in the church.
Rectify wrongs—even if you are not guilty of the wrongdoing. Validating those who have been wronged is powerful beyond measure, to both the giver and the receiver.
Give the Gift of Gratitude
The reaction from those participating in the parade.
Marcel Proust once said, “Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” Sincere gratitude has a pollination effect in the garden of life. One small seed can cultivate an entire field of beauty.
Give the Gift of Respect
During a protest in Brazil, a General said, “Don’t fight, please, not on my Birthday.” The group of protesters respected that, and went even further when they presented the General with a Birthday cake.
Do unto others, as we would have them do unto us—even when we stand on opposite sides of the fence. Imagine what our world would be like if everyone treated each other with respect.
Give the Gift of Unity
Mom and Dad had insulin pumps tattooed on their stomachs so that their diabetic son wouldn’t feel “different”.
These young men shaved their heads to support their friend who lost his hair to chemo.
Nobody wants to be alone. It’s not about shaving your head or getting a tattoo, but letting your fellow man know that he is not alone in this world.
Give the Gift of Friendship
Man cradles his best friend to sleep while soaking in Lake Superior to help relieve arthritis.
In times of need and in times of joy—friendship is built on and between the people who share those times together. True friendship means that we are never alone.
There are bountiful opportunities that we can grab a hold of each and every day, and truly, there are no boundaries to what impact you or I can make.
Action = Transformation:
The action…giving of ourselves. The change…the extraordinary transformation that happens within us—and consequently, the world around us.
From our family at Privy Oasis, LLC to yours, we wish you the happiest of holidays and hope this season finds you “unwrapping” new opportunities and experiences that will allow you to make everlasting changes.
Always in Your Corner,
Taaka M. Cash
DNP, MPH, MSN, RN, FPMHNP-BC