Inspiration to Make a Difference

By Kathryn P. Haydon

Books We Love

Today calls for inspiration and perspective.

Recently I read a book about how one person can make a difference.

The authors inspired me and I hope to start a ripple effect by inspiring you with some of my favorite stories and quotes from the book.

To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.

– Heather Cortez

Even your mere presence can be a present to the world . . .

There once was an elderly, despondent woman in a nursing home. She wouldn’t speak to anyone or request anything. She merely existed–rocking the day away in her rocking chair.

The old woman didn’t have many visitors, but every couple of mornings a concerned young nurse would go into her room. The nurse didn’t try to speak or ask questions. She simply pulled up another rocking chair beside the old woman and rocked with her.

Weeks later, the old woman finally spoke. There were tears in her eyes. “Thank you,” she said, “for rocking with me.”

(Excerpt from 1:How Many People Does it Take to Make a Difference?)

(Excerpt from 1:How Many People Does it Take to Make a Difference?)

Two Wolves

A Cherokee elder was teaching his children about life.

He said to them, “A terrible fight is going on inside me. It is a fight between two wolves.

One is the wolf of joy, love, hope, kindness and compassion.

The other is the wolf of fear, anger, cynicism, indifference and greed.

The same fight is going on inside of you and every other person too.”

The children thought about it for a moment, and then one child asked,

“Which wolf will win?”

The elder replied, “Whichever one you feed.”

(Excerpt from 1:How Many People Does it Take to Make a Difference?)

– Albert Schweitzer

(Excerpt from 1:How Many People Does it Take to Make a Difference?)