Nelson Mandela was truly a world treasure. His death leaves a void. His courage in fighting apartheid in South Africa is legendary. Only history will be able to truly assess the impact of his existence on this earth. Most of us can only hope to leave a portion of that kind of impact on the world. But in some ways, our impact is no less important. As individuals, our realm of influence may not be as wide as that of Nelson Mandela. But it certainly has the potential to be no less profound. What we show to the world through our behaviors...our attitudes...and how we treat others...is the mark we leave. In my depression, I usually don't pay a whole lot of attention to my ability to impact the world around me. There is a whole lot of truth to the idea that if you aren't loving yourself, you can't love others.
But when I am feeling whole, it is different. Depression robs me of the ability to give. To myself or others. Depression is emptiness. Where does my personal power to influence the world go when I am depressed? Nowhere. I just don't see it. Once I start feeling healthier and that energy is flowing, I start seeing possibility again. I am able to see past myself into what others need. I find that a wonderful place to be. I can again begin to be the change I wish to see in the world. I can advocate for better treatment for the mentally ill. I can reach out to those in pain and suffering. I am able to be there for myself...so I can be there for others.
During this holiday season, I have been thinking about the imprint I have on the world. And I have been looking towards others for my example. My friend, C. runs a nonprofit. He lives in the United States. But, he was born in Jamaica. His nonprofit provides clothing, toys, and school supplies for young people in the community of his birth. While not a Nelson Mandela, I would say his imprint on this world is huge. The young people in Jamaica living with the ravages of poverty will not forget his impact soon. Now, make no mistake, you don't have to be Nelson Mandela or my friend C. to
impact the world. Who you are is of impact. Your smile...your kindness...YOU...make a difference.
What are you going to do with that power today?
But when I am feeling whole, it is different. Depression robs me of the ability to give. To myself or others. Depression is emptiness. Where does my personal power to influence the world go when I am depressed? Nowhere. I just don't see it. Once I start feeling healthier and that energy is flowing, I start seeing possibility again. I am able to see past myself into what others need. I find that a wonderful place to be. I can again begin to be the change I wish to see in the world. I can advocate for better treatment for the mentally ill. I can reach out to those in pain and suffering. I am able to be there for myself...so I can be there for others.
During this holiday season, I have been thinking about the imprint I have on the world. And I have been looking towards others for my example. My friend, C. runs a nonprofit. He lives in the United States. But, he was born in Jamaica. His nonprofit provides clothing, toys, and school supplies for young people in the community of his birth. While not a Nelson Mandela, I would say his imprint on this world is huge. The young people in Jamaica living with the ravages of poverty will not forget his impact soon. Now, make no mistake, you don't have to be Nelson Mandela or my friend C. to
impact the world. Who you are is of impact. Your smile...your kindness...YOU...make a difference.
What are you going to do with that power today?
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