Small acts Big impact

Every Sunday morning I take a light jog around a park near my home.

There’s a lake located in one corner of the park.

Each time I jog by this lake, I see the same elderly woman sitting at the water’s edge with a small metal cage sitting beside her.

This past Sunday my curiosity got the best of me, so I stopped jogging and walked over to her.

As I got closer, I realized that the metal cage was in fact a small trap.

There were three turtles, unharmed, slowly walking around the base of the trap.

She had a fourth turtle in her lap that she was carefully scrubbing with a spongy brush.

“Hello,” I said. “I see you here every Sunday morning. If you don’t mind my nosiness, I’d love to know what you’re doing with these turtles.”

She smiled. “I’m cleaning off their shells,” she replied. “Anything on a turtle’s shell, like algae or scum, reduces the turtle’s ability to absorb heat and impedes its ability to swim. It can also corrode and weaken the shell over time.”

“Wow! That’s really nice of you!” I exclaimed.

She went on: “I spend a couple of hours each Sunday morning, relaxing by this lake and helping these little guys out. It’s my own strange way of making a difference.”

“But don’t most freshwater turtles live their whole lives with algae and scum hanging from their shells?” I asked.

“Yep, sadly, they do,” she replied.

I scratched my head. “Well then, don’t you think your time could be better spent? I mean, I think your efforts are kind and all, but there are fresh water turtles living in lakes all around the world. And 99% of these turtles don’t have kind people like you to help them clean off their shells. So, no offense… but how exactly are your localized efforts here truly making a difference?”

The woman giggled aloud. She then looked down at the turtle in her lap, scrubbed off the last piece of algae from its shell, and said, “Sweetie, if this little guy could talk, he’d tell you I just made all the difference in the world.”

The moral:

You can change the world – maybe not all at once, but one person, one animal, and one good deed at a time. Wake up every morning and pretend like what you do makes a difference. It does.

"You can change the world" holds profound truth and power. While the idea of transforming the entire world may seem daunting, it is important to remember that even small actions can create a ripple effect with far-reaching impact.

Every individual possesses the capacity to make a difference, regardless of their background, resources, or circumstances. Change begins with the belief that our actions matter, that our choices and efforts have the potential to shape the world around us.

Whether it is a simple act of kindness towards another person, lending a helping hand to those in need, or advocating for a cause close to our hearts, each action contributes to a larger narrative of positive change. We should not underestimate the significance of our individual contributions, for they have the potential to inspire others and initiate a chain reaction of transformation.

Moreover, it is crucial to recognize that changing the world is not a solitary endeavor. Collaboration and collective action amplify the impact of our efforts. By joining forces with like-minded individuals and organizations, we can create a powerful synergy that tackles societal issues and promotes positive change on a larger scale.

Furthermore, changing the world is not limited to grand gestures or monumental achievements. It encompasses the everyday choices we make, the way we treat others, and the values we uphold. Each decision we make can align with compassion, empathy, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others.

In our pursuit of changing the world, it is essential to adopt a long-term perspective. Transformation takes time, and progress may not always be linear. There will be obstacles and setbacks along the way, but perseverance and resilience are key. By remaining committed to our ideals and never losing sight of our vision, we can navigate through challenges and continue to make a positive impact.

Ultimately, the belief that "You can change the world" is a call to action, an invitation to embrace our individual and collective power to shape a better future. Let us awaken each day with the conviction that our actions matter and possess the potential to create meaningful change. Through our cumulative efforts, we can foster a world that is more compassionate, just, and sustainable for generations to come.