How to make a difference by Lunashadow

"This was easily done by recognizing how my actions, be them big or small, makes a difference everyday."

How I did it: I think I was having a mid life crises when I needed to believe that before I leave this world I had made it a better place.  I've always believed deeply in human dignity and that when someone faces the last days of their lives it's alright for them to spend them at home.  I realized I greatly believed in hospice.  I simply looked up a local hospice office and followed their procedure to become a volunteer.  This was simple, it only required an action on my part.  I volunteered for more than two years.  I loved being able to do something that I believed in so greatly. 

There is no question that I made a difference in the people's lives I volunteered for.  I know I greatly reduced burdens for family members.  I know that I, in my best moments, made patients forget they were on hospice.  I made them smile and laugh.  Yes, we laughed often.

I know I could have been monetarily compensated well for many of the services I provided but it would have gone against what I believed in.  I would never have wanted my patients or their families, in there greatest time of need to have to pay for human dignity.

I was compensated very well.  It's what taught me that I make a huge difference every day with every little act of thoughtfulness and kindness.  It taught me to be more empathetic.  I learned I could make a difference in the world by helping one person at a time.  I learned so many good things about myself and self respect too.

Lessons & tips: If you really want to make a difference kindness and thoughtfulness have an incredible butterfly effect.  Smile often.  If you want to do something on a bigger level just ponder what you stand for - what you believe in, and then seek out a way you can contribute in that area through your community.  I know that the biggest difference we make in this world starts in our homes and our neighborhoods.

I also believe it's human nature to copy others.  People always watch what other people do.  Setting an example of good makes a diffence.

Resources: Internet, phone book and newspapers direct me to organizations that I'm interested in that are close to home.


22 people found this helpful
 

Oct 21, 2008, 07:12AM PDT | 5 comments | 44 cheers


Comments:

sunshine219

Awesome

It is a great gift of character to be able to work with hospice patients. I always thought
that when you are with someone who dies…you actually hand them to heavens door.

Great insight!!

Mar 26, 2009, 06:15PM PDT | Respond to this 3 cheers

truthsayer226 “Change your thoughts and you change your world.”

Applause

Eight years ago, I went through hospice training but didn’t have nerve to do it once I finished. Maybe it was the place in life I was at. Be proud of yourself. You make the world a better place. Not every one can do it.

Apr 29, 2009, 08:16AM PDT | Respond to this 2 cheers

cajunpride121

Kudos to you!

You have no idea how much you have touched the lives of others. It’s not just the
person(s) you cared for but their families as
well. Every time one of the surviving family members remembers something funny or kind that you said or did, you legacy lives on.

The ripple effect of that alone will be huge. And the jewel that you will receive from God,
on your crown, when it’s your turn to crossover, will be fabulous. It definitely takes a special person to do what you have done. Always be proud of who you are.

Jul 07, 2009, 06:24AM PDT | Respond to this

kmom2468 is knee deep in the hooah!

The kindness of strangers...

made a huge difference in my Dad’s last days. Many blessings as you continue making a difference in this world, big and small.

Aug 07, 2009, 06:22PM PDT | Respond to this

(This comment was deleted.)

Sep 19, 2009, 07:00PM PDT

1R1S has issues to settle...

That’s so beautiful and warm….
This has been one of my dearest wishes.Of late, though, I’ve been despondent that I probably cant make ANY difference at all in this great wide world. Coming across this has shown me that it CAN be done. That simple acts can still touch lives and do magic.
I specially cherish these words:
“If you want to do something on a bigger level just ponder what you stand for – what you believe in, and then seek out a way you can contribute in that area through your community. I know that the biggest difference we make in this world starts in our homes and our neighborhoods.”
Many thanks!!

Apr 11, 2010, 01:22PM PDT | Respond to this


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