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.