by Araniyar Isukul

Created on: October 31, 2008

One of the most important things I think is important in the life is to ensure in one way or another we fulfil a basic human responsibility of making the world a better place, a better place than we found it. We may not necessarily have to make gigantic contributions, but we could do little things, that could make a difference in the lives of those around us. Take little steps that could make life better for our loved ones, our neighbours, for our colleagues at the work place.

Just like the story of the little girl who came by the seaside to find that a stormy wave had seen massive amounts of star fish thrown out of the sea to the beach and dry land. The little girl diligently stooped down and picked one star fish at a time and gently placed them back into the sea. An older man walked by, and saw the little girl, and was curious about what she was doing. He told the little girl it was not possible to have all the star fish put into the water, but what was more amazing was the response of the little girl who said, for each star fish she put back into the water it made a significant amount of difference.

I firmly believe in the philosophy of beginning within the circle of influence, and by that I mean, if we intend to add value and make the world a better place, we should begin from where we are. Simple steps, just like saying an encouraging word to the neighbour, holding the door open for an elderly man or woman who is struggling to get through. Finding time for your spouse and loved ones. Becoming a better worker at the workplace, keeping the peace wherever you are. Are some of the simple things, we could do to add value, and change lives.

There is a Greek adage that says if anyone wanted the streets to be clean, each person should first of all do a little sweeping in front and behind the homes they leave in. That way, it would be so much easier to have the whole streets clean in just a short time. One signficant truth that I wish to explain here, is that you cannot add value to another ones life, without having value added to yours. Its as simple as that. Someone once said happiness is a perfume that you cannot pour on someone without pouring some on yourself. I would like to believe that this would also hold through for value. I would simply say that value is a perfume that you cannot pour on someone without pouring some on yourself.

I have come to learn that one of the big challenges, that stops a lot of people from adding value to the world, is that they think of value is something that has to be expensive, or something out of the extraordinary that needs to be given to friends or family before it can be appreciated. I have come to know, that this is not entirely through, there are somethings that are more valuable than Gold and Money. The love a mother has for a child is priceless - value is something, each and everyone of us can give to the world in little measures that can make a great difference.

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