How do you make a difference?

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does." - William James

"What difference does it make?  Who cares anyway?"  How many times have you heard these phrases tossed around like the salad you had for dinner?  I know that I have heard them much too often.  To answer these or any of a similar variety, I say it can make all the difference in the world.  And I care.  I care deeply.  I know I am not the only person in this world of 7 billion or so people who feel this way.  What difference does it make to someone if I smile and say 'good morning' instead of grouching along the way without even looking their way as I walk by?  What difference could it possibly make if I decide to spend time with children in an afterschool program to help with their homework?  Who cares if their homework is finished or not?  Who cares if they have passing grades in school? 

What difference does it make if I stop focusing on all the petty issues in my life and reach out to help someone else?  I learn to become grateful, I learn to become helpful and I learn that what I do makes a difference.  Yes, it does.

Honesty to Truth....what is honest anyway?

Here is a page from a book that I wrote...jus a little food for thought to get us started...more to come, I promise.  By the way...Happy Birthday to me!!

Thought for the day
It has been said that honesty is the first page in the book of life. We think that if we tell the truth we are being honest. The truth is the truth and it stands by itself. Honesty is the measure of our pursuit and movement toward the truth. Can I legitimately say that my motives have been pure in my dealings in life? Many times I have spoken the truth but skewed my progress toward honesty with less than desirable motives. For real progress to be made, I need to relieve myself of the unconscious defenses as well as less than favorable motives I use to satisfy my selfish desires. If honesty is the first page in the book of life, elimination of self should be the preface. I cannot pursue a life of selfishness and expect to arrive at the truth. I need to purify my motives, pray for direction and move with honesty toward the truth.

Meditation for the day
Today I spend some time in thoughtful contemplation of the difference between truth and honesty. I realize that I need both of these qualities to establish and maintain the new direction of my life. I concentrate on the purity of my motives before I give life to their actions.

Prayer for the day
I pray for pure motives before I begin my honest walk toward the truth. I pray to have falsehoods and scandalous stimulus removed so my walk will be divinely illuminated and genuinely rewarding for all.

Mantra for the day
Honesty must be pursued or falsehood will overtake us. Honesty must be pursued or falsehood will overtake us. Honesty must be pursued or falsehood will overtake us.

Reflection for the day
Take time today to reflect on your journey to truth. What is the state of your motives behind your truth? Where do you stand on your quest to eliminate self and in the consideration of others?