When we are young, we believe we can change the world and achieve great things.  We dream big, we have an imagination without limits and we talk often about how we can impact on all that is wrong within our world.

As we get older and "wiser", we discover that the world resists change and we often lower our sights to enable us to achieve changes in our own countries and communities. 

Then we realise that changing our country or communities is hard so we settle for trying to change our families and friends instead. We hope that they can see what we are trying to achieve and support us in our quest.

Then as we enter our final years and we look back on our lives, we realise, perhaps far too late,  that the most important change actually begins within us.  Real change starts with our own recognition of our soul that yearns to be set free and by listening to its calling.  And as we enter our final days, we often realise that if perhaps we had changed first, we could have inspired our families to change too.  Then the encouragement we received from our families and friends may have inspired us to be braver, stronger and more determined to succeed.  We might even have gone on to change our communities, countries and the world.

Remember that the most important change starts within us and we lead others to change by showing them how we can be. 

So ask not for others to change but change yourself first and follow your destiny.  Show them how living a life on purpose changes you. 

Making a difference to one person, one situation or one problem we encounter is all we need to do to make a difference to the world.  Being supportive of a friend going through a hard time, listening to a partner that has had a tough day, a reading to a child before bedtime are moments that change lives.  And through changing lives, we make a difference and change the world.

So when you wonder if you are giving back, making a difference and changing the world, remember that its the tiny, seemingly insignificant things we do that are noticed by the universe.  It's not the loud, publicised, "shout from the rooftops" changes that people make that move the world to a new place.  Its the billions of acts of kindness that happen in every moment in every place around the globe. 

So just be there when your children, partner, friends and family need you. Pick up the phone when you are too busy to listen to their troubles and then do just that - listen to them.  Offer a word of encouragement to someone you know is struggling with their dreams, their lives or their health.   Hug someone when they are lonely.  Love someone when they are empty.  Cry with someone when they are happy.

Sharing our moments with each other is what makes a world of difference.  So be the boy or girl that threw back the starfish. 

And know in your heart that you made a difference....

The old Cherokee simply replied:


Thanks to Steve Newman for providing this story
Click here to go to Steve's website

"The Present" is an engaging story of a young man's journey to adulthood, and his search for The Present, a mysterious and elusive gift he first hears about from a great old man. This Present, according to the old man, is 'the best present a person can receive.'

Later, when the young boy becomes a young man, disillusioned with his work and his life, he returns to ask the old man, once again, to help him find The Present. The old man responds, 'Only you have the power to find The Present for yourself.' So the young man embarks on a tireless search for this magical gift that holds the secret to his personal happiness and business acumen. It is only after the young man has searched high and low and given up his relentless pursuit that he relaxes and discovers The Present - and all the promises it offers.

"The Present" will help you focus on what will make you happy and successful in your work and in your personal life. Like the young man, you may find that it is the best gift you can ever give yourself.