You Can Make a Difference!

“To put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right”. — Confucius

I was touched recently after having a read a story about a very special person who in his way made a huge difference in the world around him! Not only had he made a difference in the many lives that he as come in contact with, but he has also made a big difference at his work place, had increased fidelity in the store and brought about a total change in the workplace environment!  Allow me to introduce to you Johnny the bagger boy who made a huge difference despite the fact that he was possibly the least likely candidate to think it possible, why?  Because Johnny has downs syndrome!

The story in short is that one day a seminar was held at a grocery store for all the employees to cover the importance of customer service and doing things in order to make their shopping experience unforgettable.  Johnny was also invited as he too was employed at this supermarket, but after the seminar was over, he couldn’t see how a person as simple as himself could do anything to make a difference, for two reasons, he knew that he was “special” and after all,  he  was “only” a bagger boy.

He came up with an idea, he wanted to inspire his clients with a “thought of the day” which he took the time to print out and cut to fit into the bags of his customers to read once they got home.  It got to be so inspiring for his customers that they would purposely wait in his line to be able to get their little thought for that day. Some folks would just stop in and get something when they were in the neighborhood just to get his little token. Johnny made a huge difference!  If you would like to get the real story the original can be found at http://www.barbaraglanz.com

There are so many ways that each one of us can make a difference in our situations, even by doing the most simple things that might seem insignificant!  We live in such a diversified world and are exposed to so much negativity that, even when you attempt to do things that might make a difference, you can be easily scared off by the doubters that will put you down and try to discourage you!  Don’t let them!  If they want to continue to walk on in the dark, so be it, but take the path that leads towards the light!  The flame of a tiny candle can light up a large room!

After reading this inspiring story I was sadden to see that, sure enough, there are those who doubt its veracity. Others for the most part were inspired by the account they read and touched by this wonderful simple being.  Johnny is special in so many ways, he did bring about a huge difference and so can you!  Don’t allow others to put out your candle, let it burn bright, change your part of the world!  This is the only way that we can then change the world!

How might you change the world around you?