In my view, this is probably the most important section because I deeply believe that if you’re not committed to something larger than yourself, you cannot achieve meaningful long-lasting happiness. I am sure that you and I can literally change the world. Am I day-dreaming? Maybe, but this is a conscious choice I have made based on my personal experiences. History has shown this to be true: certain individuals have brought about great change. Martin Luther King, Gandhi, Mother Teresa and many others succeeded without media fanfare while others did so without even realizing it.
You may have had a teacher who changed your life, or a mentor, guide, parent, friend, uncle or neighbour… A smile from a perfect stranger or an act of kindness offered when you needed it most.
Actually, I believe that you and I are chock-full of ideas and if we pooled our resources, anything would be possible. Opportunities will simply arise and other options will be revealed. Time is undoubtedly our most precious asset. Yet, we all have the same amount of time in a day regardless of our sex, origin or the money we own.
There are so many glaring needs on earth, in our immediate surroundings, even within our families and this may seem insurmountable but the moment we commit ourselves and take action, the world begins to change. I am firmly convinced that we’re all interconnected and responsible for each other. If you were to ask me why I think this way, I would answer this:
…Two friends are walking along a beach where thousands of starfish have been run aground following a violent hurricane and are slowly dying. As they walk and chat, one of the friends picks up starfish and puts them back in the ocean, thus returning them to their environment. The other asks, “Why are you doing that? It won’t change anything. They’re going to die one way or another. There are thousands of them.” After listening to this, the first friend gently picks up another starfish and answers, “You may be right, but for this starfish, it makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD BECAUSE IT WILL CONTINUE TO LIVE”!
So, I ask you. Are you ready to put the starfish back in the water and see where this will lead? Are you ready to contribute?
I’ve decided to devote 5% of my profits to a cause or humanitarian organization, in the hope of making a difference, one step at a time.
I am also on my way to creating my own humanitarian organization to be able to achieve my personal projects without having to deal with intermediaries and build up a group composed entirely of volunteers. Do you want to get involved? Do you feel inspired? Do you want to make a difference? Leave your name and coordinates at info@jeanfrancoisallard.com
