“Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Hmmm, are these words of wisdom to carry with us into 2011? Or should we perhaps expect a little bit more of ourselves?
It may seem rather presumptuous of me to disagree with one of the great political and ideological figures of the last two centuries. But I feel compelled to do so in this instance. As we stand at the dawning of 2011, I am inclined to argue that we need to aim higher.
As we rang in the New Year last night, one of the people at the party I attended commented that the year 2011 seems a bit ominous somehow. Something about the figure 11 causes us some trepidation. It could be the psychological association with 9/11 – the terrible events of September 11, 2001 which are indelibly engraved in her memories.
On the other hand, World War I ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. That fact hopefully balances the scale to some degree in terms of what emotions we associate with the number 11.
Setting aside the number itself, I believe that much of our discomfort, as we look ahead to 2011, arises from the uncertain times in which we are living. It seems there is no such thing as a “stable economy” anymore. It’s a rollercoaster that we have to get used to riding.
Political unrest and turmoil in countries like Afghanistan appear to have no discernable end. The ever present threat of terrorism has us forever looking over our shoulders. Overcoming the poverty and suffering in impoverished countries like Haiti – rocked by an earthquake and now battling a cholera epidemic – at times seems hopeless.
In the midst of so much that we feel powerless against, it is a short leap to the conclusion that we as individuals are insignificant. Why even try to make a difference? Why not revert to “survival of the fittest” and focus on our own needs?
I see things a little differently. I believe that each and every one of us is created to be significant. We each have a talent, ability or gift that can make a difference in the world around us. We will not all be famous or perform heroic acts. But we each have the potential to shift the world on its axis for the better.
My gift is the written word. I try to use it to create stories that examine the human condition, shed light on it and inspire. I’m not likely to win the Nobel Peace Prize for Literature. But I do believe I can make a difference by what I write.
I know some people for whom 2010 was a terrible year. Life battered them at every turn. They have inspired me by their strength of character and their will to carry on. They are heroes. I believe it is my responsibility to inspire them using the gifts I have been given.
Metaphors are one of the tools of my trade that I use as I strive to be significant and to inspire others. What are your gifts? What are the tools of your trade? I challenge you to find them and use them. Aspire to be significant and to make a difference.
Whatever you do will be significant if you choose to aim higher. Someone who is struggling may find the inspiration they need in you.
~ Michael Robert Dyet is the author of “Until the Deep Water Stills – An Internet-enhanced Novel” – double winner in the Reader Views Literary Awards 2009. Visit Michael’s website at www.mdyetmetaphor.com or the novel online companion at www.mdyetmetaphor.com/blog.
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Tags: Ghandi · metaphor · Michael Robert Dyet · New Years Resolution · significanceNo Comments