“The legacy you leave is the life you live today”

We are all unique by nature and it means we are different. To a large extent, being different is where our strength comes from. This has been proven in marriages, business relationships, sports, politics, parliament, etc. “If you desire to make a difference in the world, you must be different than the world” by Elaine S. Datton

Individually, we have to ask ourselves what kind of difference we are making not necessarily in our own life but for the betterment of others. However, there is an exception to the rule where some use their difference or the differences of others to satisfy their own undeserving and selfish motives.

Good deeds are not limited to those who are engaged in humanitarian services, religious institutions nor to rich or famous people. Kindness and caring for others belong to any of us and to whoever is willing to offer such a gesture particularly to those who needs it most. It is not the size nor the material that counts but the thought and spirit behind it. To feel the difference, go and hug somebody or visit a sick child or mother at the hospital. “If you think, you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito” by His holiness Dalai Lama. No help is small for those who need it.

In the line of work I do, I come across people who are determined to make a difference. One such person is a young, energetic and dynamic individual. He is a CEO of a company. I asked him what his mission in life is. He said, he wants to help others and make a difference. Knowing him as I do, I am not surprised with the answer. However, what is more reassuring is the “vision” of the Company he leads. The vision, as officially stated reads “ prosperity to the common man” Though at its infant stage, what the company is trying to do is to transform the life of the subsistence farmer to becoming more market or business oriented. The company plans to stop importing the inputs they need and instead acquire the same from the local farmers. They have already established a processing plant very near to the farmers. Imagine what this means not only to the farmers but to the community and in a larger scale the society as a whole.

This is what you call “a vison in action” The originator of the vison is not the son but his father. This is where the saying highlighted above “the legacy you leave is the life you live today” makes good sense. My first tribute goes to the father for his dedication, commitment and for whatever price he paid to make this vision become a reality. Bravo to the son as well as he is ably and enthusiastically carrying the torch to bring more light to the life of many ordinary farmers. This specific father is not leaving the legacy to his son and his immediate family only. It is passed to the farmers who are benefiting from the program not forgetting the employees who played a significant role to bring this noble cause to its success. This is a life worth living.

I also know another young man who inherited a business from his father but the business unfortunately has not been doing very well for some time. In spite of all the advices and warnings he receives from his well-wishers, he is not willing to give up. Why? Because, he does not want to let go the hopes and aspirations of the many employees who served his father for many years with utmost dedication and love both in good and bad times. What a commitment for a young man who has many other options to succeed but still wants to stick around not for himself but more so for the sake of others.

I know there are many people out there whose stories of good deeds have not been told. I have no doubt that those who benefited from them continue to think of them and thank them every day and for years to come. There is nothing more rewarding and uplifting than being labeled as “exemplary person” because of the good things one has done for others.

Every day is another opportunity to make a difference. Fortunately, the timing is perfect as Christmas and the New Year are seasons meant to “giving, sharing, forgiving and for starting life afresh”. Making a difference is free. Go out and make somebody’s world worth living or forgive someone who has done you harm. “forgiveness is a gift to yourself” by Susan Somers.

May the coming Christmas season and the New Year bring abundant happiness, peace, good health and prosperity to you all and especially to those who go out and offer kindness at this time of the season. As always, your comments are welcome because “they make a difference”

Samuel from Gateway