Cast a Stone Across the Waters

In large bold letters across the magazine, I read, CHANGING THE WORLD. Of course, it was an article about people who were making a difference in the world. Most of these amazing people got into making a difference because of an initial personal event or situation that was a springboard into an opportunity. I thought about who these people were to step up to the challenges they saw in front of them. To start, they must have compassion and be able to see unfairness or need, then have the courage to step up and act. I admire that.

The more I thought about it, these helpers were people who also must have done a lot of work to know who they are inside. They knew they could make a difference and the right opportunity or need presented itself. When I think about whether I could be one of these super-helping people, I don't think I could. Multiple factors would affect my ability to do what they do, and I don't think I'm that courageous, but I could "cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples."

Immediately, I thought of a very helpful and positive bank employee who gave me ideas and solutions for what I needed to start the business side of being a published author. She also gave me hope. Isn't that what all of us could really use right now? I could give hope.

What could I do based on who I am? Then I remembered a casual encounter I had in a hallway. As a person I knew walked past me, something about her seemed a little off, so I asked her how she was. "Truthfully," she said, "I've had a bit of a traumatic day." She paused and looked uncomfortable. My heart broke for her. "I'm sorry that happened to you, but know you are a beautiful soul." It was the truth, and I meant it. She smiled and said, "Some people are coming over tonight to help cheer me up." Did she feel more hopeful because of what I said? I don't know, but perhaps she felt a loving message in her heart. I guess that's the crux of the matter. I can do what I can, whatever it is, in the moment when it presents itself.

Sashka Regina–Leading Brand Culture Agency for Visionaries–is a dynamic person working with women who are done with people-pleasing and performing. She encourages them to stop finding themselves and start remembering themselves.

If you're asking "Who am I?" - you're not lost. You're WAKING UP. And that's exactly where transformation begins.

She's changing the world around her, and I know it hasn't been easy. I met her at a time in my life when I was questioning what I was doing and wanting to become another version of myself. She told me I wasn't alone, and that comforted and inspired me. I can comfort and inspire those around me.

Do I really want to change the world? If I really want to change the world, I need to ask a different question. Most people who are changing the world for the better ask: What need can I address? What service can I offer? Then they attract others who want to help. They don't think of themselves as heroes or heroines or even think of rising above those they help. That takes maturity. I can offer my book and share my life's story, so others know they're not alone.

Bill Plotkin has outlined the different stages of maturity in his incredible book, Nature and the Human Soul. He identifies the early adult stage as one who has undergone:

"Soul Initiation (the moment when we commit, utterly, to the embodiment in the world of our soul image, soul story, or soul powers)."

What this means to me is, when we commit to act with our souls firmly on board inside us, with our souls' purposes remembered, and the powers that blossom with that purpose, the world offers us opportunities to do something that serves humanity. In that service, we find growth, wisdom, joy, compassion, and, yes, sadness, too. Remember the 1960s, the decade of assassinations that changed the world? I can commit to action with my soul firmly on board.

Truthfully, being in the spotlight and being a force for change still feels a little uncomfortable. Why? Being exactly who I am, and connected with my soul, is a vital step in making a difference to those I serve. I can get behind being of service. Having the funds to help dreams blossom is important, and thanks to great financial advice, I can say looking after myself, my family, and serving others are all necessary. I can finally say with confidence that treating myself with as much care, love, and compassion as I treat others I serve is mandatory for vibrant living. It has taken me decades to say that and mean it!

Read Sashka's LinkedIn Post HERE.

Bill Plotkin, Nature and the Human Soul: Cultivating Wholeness and Community in a Fragmented World, (California: New World Library, 2008), 461. Kindle.