Leaving the World a Better Place

One of the mottoes that I like to live by goes something like this:
“Leave the world a better place than you found it; your community a better home than when you arrived and others happier than when you met them.”
This is the message that I hope that my kids will live by. It is simple and can be easily adapted by anyone to any lifestyle. What better way to live and to feel that you have made a positive difference in the world than to leave a little shine on everything and everyone that you meet? When it comes to people what seems to make them happiest is some genuine attention. It seems that the more we are acknowledged by others; the more we exist. Even a tree seems to shimmer when you take a moment to really notice it. Imagine how a loved one feels when you do the same for them.
The holidays are coming. Want to give your family a thrill? Forget dropping a wad at the toy store. Start to give each one of them a few moments a day of your undivided attention not half an ear while you watch the ballgame. Give each one your complete, focused attention. Act as though you really care. Hopefully you do.
No matter what you do every day; it is the small moments that matter most. It is those little times when your attention is focused on one thing or one other person. Give your undivided attention to whatever it is that you happen to have inhabiting your space. This simple act alone will leave most of the universe’s creatures thrilled.
And leave everything that you touch a little nicer.
Let that be your legacy.