Who You Are Makes A Difference

Many years ago I was honoured to be presented with a blue ribbon that read “Who I Am Makes A Difference”.

Today, some 15 years later, that same blue ribbon has a pride of place on my office bookshelf, and, whenever I feel I am not making ENOUGH of a difference, or things aren’t moving quick enough where I don’t feel I’m able to help as many folks as I would like… all I have to do is glance over at that ribbon to know that even if I only make an impact on one life that day, who I am makes a difference.

A graphical ribbon that was sent to me via email, I never knew the story behind the ribbon. And then the other day, as I was watching a short video on Daily Success Stream, there it was! Funny how our lives can come full circle, huh? :)

So I was introduced to the beautiful soul of Helice ‘Sparky’ Bridges who spiralled off a whole movement and touched thousands upon thousands of lives.

I want you to know today that who you are DOES make a difference.  Please accept this blue ribbon from me. Please print, cut it out and stick it somewhere that you can see it everyday. And while you’re at it, why not print and cut out a few and pass on to people who have made a difference in YOUR life? :)

YOU are special! Thank you for being you.

Who I Am Makes A Difference Ribbon


Your friend, Tara

Living A High Definition (HD) Life

As I was sitting at my desk this lovely Friday morning, I glanced outside and the sky was vivid blue, the sun was shining and this thought popped into my head… Read more

Touching Another’s Heart

Years ago, one of my suppliers was diagnosed with bowel cancer. As if that wasn’t enough, it was discovered he had a hole in his heart. Something needed to be done, urgently, or he was going to die. He couldn’t get enough oxygen; walking only five paces left him short of breath. Combined with his treatment for bowel cancer he was in a bad way.

Shortly after his operation I sat at the foot of his bed, in awe of the miracle which had drastically changed his life. Very emotional he told me how the surgeon discovered it was worse than they thought – ultimately he required two plastic valves and one metal valve for his heart.

With tears running down his cheeks he told me that the surgeon had held his heart in his hands and placed it onto his chest. And, chokingly, he said again “Held my heart in his hands”.

I cried along with him. Truly, a miracle.

With a sob and a smile, he went on to say that he thought only his wife ever held his heart. We marvelled at the magnificence of surgeons and their procedures and how, literally, they hold our hearts – our lives – in their hands.

Later that day, I reflected on what he had said. And it got me thinking.

You know, we’re all “heart doctors” in our own way. Every day we “touch” someone else’s heart through our kind words, our dreams, our hopes – just for being ourselves! And like a true doctor, your touch may enable someone to “live” again.

I heard the following years ago:

A young boy was walking along a beach strewn with hundreds of starfish. He came across an old man who was picking up one starfish at a time and tossing it back into the sea … but the boy could see that for every one he tossed back in, at least two more were being washed back onto the shore.

 Perplexed, he went up to the old man and said, “Old man! Why are you tossing those starfish back in? It makes no difference! Look how many come back in!”

The old man turned to the boy. “Son,” he said, as he tossed a starfish back into the sea, “it sure made a difference to that one!”

 

It’s all about making a difference.

 

Article by Tara West © 2000

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