Lessons on Making a Difference

In our last ezine we discussed how you had the power to change the world. I gave you a challenge to go out and brighten someone’s day in any way that you could. Did you try? If not, what are you waiting for?

If you want to improve your life, and get to your someday, you must help others along the way. Again, let me be clear – I do not mean that you must spend a certain amount of time or money on a specific charity. What I mean is if you want to find the ultimate happiness and enjoyment in your life, you must also find a way to make a difference in the lives of others. To see your true worth, you must recognize the power that you have to change yourself, and the world around you. The challenge is still on – if you haven’t started yet, get to it! If you really enjoy it, send me an email and let me know!

I found something special I want to share with you today. The other day during an internet search, I stumbled on “Instructions for Life” by the Dalai Lama. Regardless of your spiritual beliefs, the instructions that were outlined really summed up a lot of what I have been teaching regarding making a difference, plus other great tips to live by in general. Read it over, print them out, and live by them as much as you can – they are great guidelines!  

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.

3. Follow the three R’s:
   -  Respect for self,
   -  Respect for others and
   -  Responsibility for all your actions.

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship.

7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

8. Spend some time alone every day.

9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.

10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and
    think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.

12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.

14. Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.

15. Be gentle with the earth.

16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.

17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

19. If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.

20. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.