Let’s talk about what it means to make a difference.

Making a difference is not about making a pledge or promise to do so. It is not about receiving accolades for it either. There are no requirements such as fame, fortune, self-sacrifice or titles involved. Some associate making a difference to a service that is offered, either for hire or volunteer. This is limiting and false.

I believe that a basic way of making a difference has gotten lost in the mix. Go big or go home does not apply to this. It is the small things that add up quickly and combined make a powerful difference. The difference I speak of comes from the heart. Believe it or not, this difference a lot of times is unintentional and made with little to no effort. It is showing kindness, caring, love, sympathy and respect towards others. It may be a spoken word, gesture or action. This can be as simple as ABC or 1,2,3. Simple words such as hello, thank you or you’re welcome can make a difference. Simple gestures such as a smile, wave, nod or thumbs up can make a difference. Simple actions such as holding a door, stepping aside in a line or doing a simple chore for someone can make a difference. Most may see these examples as manners or politeness and not the potential difference makers they are. Keep in mind that you touch the life of every person you cross paths with, just as they touch your life. Just think… these few simple things can occur millions or billions of times each and every day in the world. That’s something.

An act of kindness, random or planned, can be huge with the ripple effect that it can start. Many times the degree of impact on the recipient is not known to the giver. The initial reaction may give you clues but know the impact can be much greater for both involved. The hats that you wear in a lifetime are many and each one, whether personal or professional, grants you the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those with whom you cross paths. Think about the potential reach that each ripple effect started has and the potential difference made.

When making a difference, there is no minimum criteria, rating system or quota to meet. I believe that making a difference is spiritually rooted and humanly expressed. I am hopeful that those who may not interact with others in this way bear witness to the example exhibited by those who do. I am also hopeful that the simplicity of this is recognized and replicated. By doing so, the truth may become apparent to them that both the giver and receiver may benefit.