I found this inspirational quote last year and reposted it on Facebook this past week. I got a lot of “likes” on it and I agree. It deserves a lot of likes. Neil deGrasse Tyson is a well known American astrophysicist, cosmologist, author, and science communicator. While I do not even pretend to understand half of what he writes and talks about I do understand this quote.
Since I am the ripe old age of 56 I feel like I have a few life experiences under my belt. There is something that comes with age. I am not saying I am especially wise but I do feel like my years have added to my ability to react to things with a bit more maturity and calmness than when I was in my 20’s and 30’s.
So when I read quotes by people like Neil deGrasse Tyson that resonate with me like this one does I just want to scream it from the rooftops and say:
“People—just get over yourselves and realize that the world does not revolve around you! If you start reaching out to others your life will change as well. Look beyond yourself.”
I love the idea of lessening the suffering of others. There are so many ways that people are suffering. Many in silence. None of us can ever fully know what someone else is experiencing even if they confide in us. That is why I make an effort to see past the exterior and treat every single person that I come in contact with with dignity and love and respect.
It is not always an easy task. Especially at this time of year when people are seemingly more harried than at other times. Bottom line — kindness matters.
So today I am going to make it a goal to be kind. To look past the little annoyances and reach out in love. Maybe, just maybe, if each of us makes a tiny effort to be the ripple in our little corner of the world we can reduce the suffering a little bit. Try it. Make a difference.
I would love to hear what you do in the comments section. Remember all comments this month go to support our Comments for a Cause –the Connestee Fire Rescue Auxillary. You can read more about that here.
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Leave a commentA smile, while free in the giving, may be priceless to the recipient!
Perfect quote for the day!
So very happy to have “met” you over at MackMarie’s meet and greet yesterday! I simply adore the idea of giving for comments and will definitely “steal” it away from you for myself! George and I have gone on trips with Doctors without Borders..last trip was to Guatemala. george is a registered nurse and I am a retired counselor..and a jill-of-all-trades.
I got to help dig wells and build houses while he was assisting surgeries and then he came on his ONE free day to help build a house as well. What a wonderful life it is……………and so glad to be happily following you around now. (Cyranny calls it stalking for some reason).
Are there any cookies left from Mack Marie’s Mingle and Jingle meet and greet? Yum! I plan to check out all the blogs today!
There are A LOT of blogs there! Whew! It will take me awhile!
Great to meet you and I love all that you are about. Doctors without Borders was a recipient of Comments for a Cause one month as a nice and her husband went on a trip! So great to meet you . Officially adding you to my Bloglovin so I don’t miss your posts!
“So today I am going to make it a goal to be kind.” Beth Ann – I have never known you to be unkind! You are an inspiration!
Well I don’t know about being an inspiration—-Just trying to make a little difference in my corner of the world.
Thanks for the inspiring post Beth. This is a really little thing to do but I always try to be friendly and kind to the clerks, cashiers, servers that Assist me. Merry Christmas!
Yes! That is exactly what we all need to do. It makes a huge difference. Thanks for stopping by and also for sharing that Mingle and Jingle! What a fun place! 🙂
Yes! That’s a great quote. And yes! I feel like this: “People—just get over yourselves and realize that the world does not revolve around you! If you start reaching out to others your life will change as well. Look beyond yourself.” too!! Thanks for the reminder that even though it’s not about us, it STARTS with us and our willingness to think of others first. 🙂
You are one of the ones that “gets it” and I love that about you. I didn’t mean to preach but doggone it I get tired of the attitudes out there sometimes. Hope you are well and having a wonderful holiday season.
You are one of the kindest, most compassionate, loving and giving people I know. I am grateful for you and your enduring positive outlook on life.
And I am grateful for you. Beyond words grateful.
As always doing your part to make the world a better place. For this I thank you!
And I thank YOU for your part in making the world a much better place!
Love him. And this quote. I do agree with you. And I’ve noticed a big switch in myself over the past few years. I get so much more joy out of helping others, doing things for others and giving to others; then receiving things for myself.
A perfect quote! Thanks.
A great quote – love this!
A line from A Christmas Carol always has stuck with me — “mankind should have been my business!!” and I think that sums it up so well. We are supposed to be looking out for one another. I heard another person describe it as “walking one another home” and that is such a beautiful concept to me.
A great philosophy to have. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for taking the time to stop by and leave a comment! Have a great day!
I believe your words following the quote hold equal, if not, greater power to inspire than the famous quote. There is something to be said about age and experience that sheds sun like perception that our 20 and 30-year old self can’t begin to fathom. Thanks for sharing, and when time permits, check out what we’re doing over at SayspireQuotes, http://sayspirequotes.com.
Take care,
Josh
Hey Joshua, thanks for stopping by and for your kind words. Stopping over to check out your site now! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.