The Day After - Can I Make a Difference?

The Day After? The Day After the election and I ask myself, "Can I make a difference?"

There is much chatter still going on about the election. We are divided and I believe that would be the case no matter the outcome. I have a choice here; I can join in the discussions and argue with my opposing side or I can look at ways I can make a difference. 

I am looking at ways I can make a difference. I am starting in my own backyard, which is easy as I live in New York. There are many families in desperate need of the basic necessities. Hurricane Sandy was the worse storm I have ever been through. She wasn’t as bad with rain as Hurricane Irene was in August, 2011 but her storm surge and the power outages are unbelievable. The property destruction is inconceivable. New York City was shut off from everyone else reminding me that it is, after all, an island. Still, it was difficult in the days that followed when communication with friends and loved ones just wasn’t happening. There are relief drives in my community and I have an opportunity to provide some of the necessities that will help bring a bit of stability back to those who have lost so much. The timing of the storm with freezing weather coming in to play just added to everyone’s frustration level. 

Another difference I can make is to listen to what others are saying, weed out the gripes from those that like to hear themselves talk and see who I can help have a better day.

My words and actions can make a difference. I can look for the positive in the midst of confusion and despair. My words and actions will determine the tone of my life and how I am seen by others. If I display the positive, I can be an inspiration to others.

In conclusion, I will smile. The world looks very different when you smile, especially when you are really down. A smile attracts positive, even in a small way.