Spectacular, amazing, marvelous you!
When you were born, the U.S. Census Bureau added you to their big world population total – a list that grows by the minute.
Yep, you and me, we’re two of seven billion people on Earth. 7,000,000,000 human beings, chickadee!
Boy, for a second, that fact makes me feel insignificant, ordinary and more like a number than a person!
During the toughest part of my life, when I’d started to lose hope, I wondered: Do I matter? There are millions who live like me, look like me…I felt small, like just another breathing being without a sense of purpose. Why am I here? What is the point of my life? What am I to do with it?
Do you ever feel like that?
One day, during that tough time, someone sent me a card with this beautiful quote:
To the world, you may be one person. But to one person, you may be the world.
Source: google.com via Jonell on Pinterest
It’s so true. A life well lived is one that warms and betters the life of another.
I think of that quote every time I feel my confidence shaking and my self doubt growing.
Never underestimate the power of your existence. Your unique talents and experiences are not by chance. You, just by being you, may be the best gift your family and friends could ever enjoy! Perhaps there is one person in particular who really needs you, maybe much more than you even realize. Your legacy, your lasting impact may be infinitely more powerful than that of even the most brilliant scientists, researchers and doctors, the most talented of authors, musicians and athletes and the bravest soldiers and emergency responders who have inspired or saved thousands of lives.
That’s the power of an extraordinary human being like you!
Though born with differing skin tones into varying cultures, we arrive the way every other baby does – innocent, free of regrets and with the potential to make the world better.
Go make the world better, beginning with the people around you.
Dream it. Do it. Shine. Be you!
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I hope January was good to you and that February brings you hot chocolate with mini marshmallows, sledding, good book reads, snuggling with your dog and cat and lots of other wonderful winter moments.
Last week, I returned to my beloved alma mater, Michigan State University, to talk about Easter Ann Peters’ Operation Cool. It was so much fun to be back in the hallways of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences building, where I attended all of my journalism classes! I got to hang out in the audio studio. So cool!! Thanks so much for inviting me, MSU! On the long ride back to my office, I thought about how much I’ve grown over the last nearly eight years (!) since graduation. I am so grateful for my education and for continued inspiration courtesy of my fellow Spartan alumni, faculty and students who are doing extraordinary things around the world (really now, you wouldn’t believe the world-changing research and work they’re doing!!). You can listen to my podcast conversation here. Click “Hear the Conversation” at the top of the page.
Have a super fantastic last week of January!
Thanks for this message Jody reminding us about our uniqueness and contribution to the world. I love the fact that you realized that you mattered and you remind us that we each matter.
I think we matter most when we do what we’re sent here to do in the world.
I’m so happy to see you inspiring and spreading hope to kids in very difficult life situations. It feels like your using your uniqueness and individual gifts to make a big difference in the lives of others.
Yes, we are all special but we can truly be the light in the world when we share the gift of us with the world, no
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“I think we matter most when we do what we’re sent here to do in the world.” Well said, Vishnu! Yes, I truly believe everyone is here for a specific reason. We must choose to discover our purpose before we figure out exactly what we’re here for!