The truth of who we are, is that we are, because we belong. – Archbishop Desmond Tutu

I was deeply affected and inspired by a movie I watched this weekend. The name of the movie is “I AM” and it examines the current state of the world and tries to answer the following question(s):

What’s wrong with our world, and what can we do to make it better?

In trying to find what is wrong with the world, they are surprised to find that there is more right in the world then they ever imagined. That we are all connected to each other and the environment, and that our emotions impact our surroundings. That we are ruled by our hearts, not our brains, and that money can’t buy happiness.

I am a person who has always been ruled by my heart. I feel more then I think. 

Belonging. Love. Compassion. Sympathy. Connection. Cooperation. Community.

This is the meaning of life.

We can all change the world if we remember how much we affect the world around us.

Inspired, I set out this morning on a walk. It was a beautiful morning and I decided that every time a person would pass me I would acknowledge their presence, smile and connect. “Have a great day!”

As I walked toward the first person, I realized that they were trying to avoid me. Earbuds in, keeping to themselves, they were trying to stay in their own world. I then realized that I was embarrassed. I would have to put myself out there. This person wanted nothing to do with me.  I waited for them to look and make eye contact and it never happened. I froze. They would never know my intention… so I didn’t say anything. But what if I had?

I’ll try again tomorrow. In fact, my goal this week is to connect with one person a day. Not someone I know. A stranger. Put myself out there. Not everybody. Just one.

A kind word.

A kind gesture.

A helping hand.

Make their day better. One person can make a difference.