In life we are all presented with situations that give way to prime opportunities. Opportunities to be something out of the ordinary, something simple, and something special. These situations occur more than you might think, therefore; the question left unanswered is not whether there will be opportunities. No. The question is when you open your eyes and see the chance to be the meaning of humanity, will you grab hold of it?
The situations I am talking about are ones where you can make a difference in somebody else's life. When you can sacrifice the greatest treasure we have, which is time, for the sake of another human. I'm talking about chances to lend a hand, give someone your time, talk with someone, be there for someone in need, give a hug, donate, love, share, and help. These all range in size but trust me when I tell you that no matter how much time or how much effort, they are disproportionate to the gratitude received and the feelings when accomplished.
To quote one of my favorite scenes, from one of my most favorite movies, "Everybody gets one chance to do something great. Most people never take that chance, either because there too scared, or they don't recognize it when it spits on their shoes." (Babe Ruth, Sandlot)
Will you even recognize when it's starring you in the face and spits on your shoes? Then if you do acknowledge, will you take the chance? Lucky for us life gives us countless opportunities to be a hero. Remember, it doesn't take a hero to do something heroic. Then once you do the heroic you become heroic. After you live a life of heroism, sacrificing with a smile and unconditional giving, you then become a legend.
"Remember kid, theres heros and theres legends, heros get remembered, but legends never die; follow your heart kid, and you can never go wrong." (Babe Ruth, Sandlot)
Our hearts tell us to pull over and help the person with car troubles. Our hearts tell us to donate our time and give money. Our hearts tell us to go out of our way for others, help those in need, and be there for our fellow human beings.
Our mind tells us to keep driving or we will be late. Our mind tells us our time is too precious and money is too scarce, but then we sit in front of the TV for hours and buy useless material possessions. Our mind tells us to never sway from the path we're on regardless of others, leaving those desperate for someone else to deal with, and ultimately we ignore our brothers and sisters.
First you recognize these opportune moments. Then you act. Acting once can make you a hero, but acting selflessly for life will make you a legend.
I challenge all of us to do something for someone else this week. Recognize the moments all around you and instead of looking away, stare at it and act. Be a human. Express the compassion in your heart and the love that binds every atom together. Express your humanity and experience the results. You never know; your one little act can positively change the lives of many.
It's like the most profound ripple effect. A pay it forward from the heart and not the wallet. The world will become more beautiful than it already is, and your life will be filled with a loving gratitude.
Your legacy is all that is left when you part from your body. How will your legacy read?
You all are the difference that society longs for.
- JK
