Having a family that sleeps late, a personal habit of rising rather early, and an aversion to things work related this one day of the year leaves me with a few quiet hours to think about the year that has nearly passed, the year ahead, and in particular – this moment right now.
My thought for the day is this; All of us, in our own way, hold a unique position within some domain or aspect of our lives to improve the lives of others. …and we should do so.
On a day to day basis I fear that this vast potential of positive energy is often overlooked, by myself and others.
All around us are amazing people with incredible stories of boundless energy, passion and creativity as well as many of defeat, powerlessness, abandonment and personal tragedy. Many of these things are woven together in an intricate web where each strand plays a key role in supporting the next.
As individuals our stories, both the good and the bad, are are also woven together with those of others with the timing shaping the larger tale.
The thing about this is that we all have highs and lows, some peaks might be higher in certain ways, and certainly some peoples valleys are deeper and darker than others. However we have all felt to some varying degree that feeling of elation as life heads toward the great, as well as the corresponding gut churning lurch as we feel our hopes & dreams slide suddenly down a steep slope. Often these two things can be happening simultaneously in different areas of our lives.
One aspect of a persons life does not define them though. Some days we may wish it were that simple and oh how happy things might be. Too simple perhaps. Often the greatest beauty is found within the most complex of things, just look at the complex device that is you, your partner, your child, even your pet. Beautiful!
As Canadians we are part of a beautifully complex culture, however there are a few simple commonalities that are quite profound. We all have a leg up over billions of other people in a variety of ways. Even on our worst days, in our darkest hours, we still have access to a warm bed, in a secure dwelling, with a full belly, wrapped in the security of the rule of law and property rights with prompt premium healthcare close at hand.
Rejoice in the fact that we each have access to the resources and the power to improve not only our own circumstances for the better, but the circumstances of those around us.
Whatever role we play in life, we should play it with a smile. Whatever trajectory our life feels like it is on, we should understand that those around us are experiencing things differently, yet not so different. We can all make a greater effort to understand and respect each other. Lets all try to leverage those UP moments in our lives to help others during the downs in their own.
My resolution is to try harder to add value to the lives of those around me on a daily basis. Even if it starts with a simple smile and a kind word.
365 things to benefit others.
Make the most of the day!
Dustan Woodhouse