“The act of acting morally is behaving as if everything we do matters.” ~Gloria Steinem
Really? Does everything I do matter? Let’s assume this to be true. Wow. That’s difficult to conceive. Everything I do matters. Following that argument, then let’s say everything you do matters. Everything everyone does matters. Hold your horses, this is crazy talk! How can everything matter?! Well, let’s think about it.
What would the world be like if the following people lived their lives wholeheartedly believing that everything they do matters?
- BP executives
- Parents
- Politicians of any party
- Teachers
- Doctors
- Neighbors
- Managers, CEO’s and the leadership of any organization
- Lawyers
- Janitors
- Consultants
- Retail sales associates
- Nurses
- Construction workers
- Psychologists
- Students
- Police Officers
- Customer service reps
- Writers
- Financial analysts
- Office workers
- Business owners
- Marketers
- you get the idea…
What you do for a living is far less important than how you do it. Today, tomorrow, forever, lead your life knowing that everything you do matters. Would anything be different? What would you change? We’d love to hear your thoughts…because they matter.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Actually, thoughts matter because they cause actions. Nothing happens without a thought. I’ve been watching my father-in-law recover from a stroke. He had to re-learn how to swallow. Everything begins with a thought.
I agree that everything matters, more even than we can imagine. I can make a positive or negative impact with everything I do. They add up and there’s no neutral.
Mike…
Hi Mike,
Excellent point. I agree with you. Our actions stem from our thoughts. We then have control of whether or not to take action.
It must be very challenging for your father-in-law to re-learn behaviors that were once basic and done seemingly without much thought. And challenging for you and your wife as you witness his struggle. My heart goes out to all of you.
You’re very insightful to state that “there’s no neutral”. I’m a firm believer that inaction is action, silence is endorsement (depending on situation) and we have daily choices that determine our impact on the world.
Thanks for contributing your wisdom! Jen
Hi Jen,
This was pretty timely and needed this morning. I did not watch the video as it is too depressing. I grew up on Lake Pontchartrain, in southern Louisiana, and yesterday it was announced that the oil has reached the lake. Many of my childhood friends will be devastated by this.
Last week, I saw a positing by a friend on Facebook. She was thanking BP for the incompetence and describing the loss of business in her restaurant. I lived one block from the restaurant when Katrina hit in 2005.
Katrina and this disaster have much in common. Little decisions and shortcuts have help create situations which are causing $billions. More importantly, they have changed lives forever.
I was thinking about Katrina yesterday, while reading the article about the oil in the lake. After the storm, I came to California and began to work. One of my friends kept calling me and asking if I would come back and help them work on rebuilding the youth sports program in our area. After a few months I went back. It was somewhat grueling and stressful. The normal parental issues were compounded by rebuilding parks and lives. I found myself spending more time on the volunteer work than on my career. I’ve often wondered if it were worthwhile.
Yesterday, while I was balancing the emotions surrounding these issues, I got an unexpected text from that same friend. We had not spoken in a few months, and I was surprised. This time, instead of asking for help, he was texting results from all star teams. Two teams, 6 and 7 year olds, had already won state championships. A second 7 year old team won third and the 8 year olds were in the championship round. he closed with “look at what you started.”
So, this morning as I read your posting, I’m struck with how many single things, both good and awful, matter in ways we may not be able to see at the time. Much like the oil underneath the surface, some of the things are not noticeable. Eventually, most things we do show up in some way or fashion.Cheers,
Marty
Dear Marty,
Thank you for your heartfelt response to my post. What an honor that you shared your experience, and that of others on this page. I can only imagine the horrors of both Katrina and the BP oil disaster experienced firsthand. It’s difficult enough to read about it, and see the images on TV.
You are such a kind soul. How generous and compassionate of you to help a community in their time of need. You mention that at the time, your efforts seemed somewhat futile. Yet in the end, those efforts made the difference in many lives, both young and old. I agree with you…we often do not know the outcome of our efforts, choices and everyday decisions. How incredibly important then to make sure our heart, mind and actions are always seeking to do the right thing.
You’re right, too: “little decisions and shortcuts” often cost in ways unthinkable. It’s not ok to put profits before people, to ignore humanity for the sake of the bottom line. Terrible events occur when people ignore their moral obligation to others.
I’m thankful there are people like you in this world. You make it a better place.
Cheers, Jen