A handful of pine-seed will cover mountains with the green majesty of a forest. I too will set my face to the wind and throw my handful of seed on high.
Fiona MacLeod
As I sit down to write this post, the news of Steve Job's passing is only a few hours old.
I have been greatly inspired by Steve's philosophy of using one's short lifespan to change the world. He has said it in countless ways, but he summed it up best when he said this:
"You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."
There is this mistaken idea that changing the world is beyond the scope of regular folks. But see what nature teaches us: Great canyons are formed from the persistence of humble forces. Mighty oak trees grow from small acorns, gentle rains and warm rays of sunlight. A single drop of water in a pool creates ever-expanding ripples.
I created this blog in the beginning of 2011 with one purpose in mind: I wanted to show people how to love themselves and others. It was a desire of my heart to create something like this for years before I actually mustered up the courage to do it.
Have I questioned myself along the way? Yep. Do I still experience moments of self-doubt and unworthiness? I sure do. But I keep going despite all that, because in my heart I know that I have a message that others can benefit from.
I want to leave a meaningful mark in the universe.
And while I am simultaneously humbled and thrilled when I hear that my words have inspired or helped a person, what I really want is for that person to go on and do the same for others. I don't want to be a so-called authority – I want to be a catalyst.
So what does this mean for you?
We live in a time when it's easier than ever to reach out to others. With free blogging platforms, video/photo sharing services and social networking, it is possible to put your message into the hearts and minds of countless others.
But even these tools aren't necessary – don't discount the power you have in your own everyday loving kindness. Uplifting your brothers and sisters around you, showing them that they are loved, appreciated and cared for, inspiring and nurturing them – what an awesome gift to give.
Mahatma Gandhi taught us to be the change we want to see in the world. So put aside cynicism and ego, and create a space for something so much more far-reaching. Stop believing the lie that you are too small, too insignificant, too helpless to make a difference – step into your fullness and walk in true purpose. Reach out.
Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.Steve Jobs
Remember that this life is not just about you and the world you've created for yourself... it's about us, what we are creating and experiencing together.
But it starts with you.