by Joost Steffensen

Created on: February 11, 2008

I'm absolutely worthless

This is not an uncommon thought for people to have. In fact many people see themselves as a giant waste of space. A glob of genetic garbage sucking up oxygen. But is this really true? Don't most people add something to that rich tapestry that is humanity?

Of course not everybody is a Newton or a Nightingale, a Churchill or a Lady Di, but we each in our own way have something of value to offer. It is just not always easy to put what we give into perspective when we focus on the things we are not giving or when we're thinking we could be and do so much more.

Well let's for a moment explore the different ways people add value to humanity. You're sure to recognize yourself in some of these examples. And if you don't, try to use these examples as inspiration. There's sure to be one of them that suits you just right.

1. Cleaning and maintaining. This is probably one of the most under-appreciated and yet one of the most important ways to add to humanity. We all want to live in a world that is clean safe and not falling apart. It takes a tremendous amount of effort to keep our homes, work-places and environment in good condition. Furthermore it takes effort to mend our clothes keep our cars humming, keep our gardens looking spic and span. There are lots of professionals who engage in these activities every day such as gardeners, garbage collectors, street cleaners and domestic workers. The ways for you to contribute in this manner are endless, from going outside to sweep the street in front of your house, to lobbying for more stringent environmental regulations. Cleaning and maintenance are often under-appreciated. Just remember that if nobody notices that's because you're doing your job so well.

2. Caring and Nurturing. Lots of people add value by caring for or nurturing other people. Some of them do so professionally like nurses and social workers. Others do so out of love, like mothers and fathers, partners and foster-parents and some do so out of compassion like volunteers in hospitals and old-peoples homes. The ways of adding value through caring and nurturing are countless and to find opportunity to do so you only need to keep your eyes wide open. The elderly, the neglected, the poor they are all around us. Sometimes it might be difficult to know how to tackle these issues, but luckily there are many organizations that can use your help and nurturing ability. Just have a look around your neighborhood I'm sure you'll find opportunities aplenty.

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