Thankfully more places are opening up and pretty soon, this pandemic will soon be behind us. So Last Month, I got on a plane and flew for several miles and hours to fulfill some of my parenting responsibilities. Halfway through my flight, I had to use the toilet and as expected the toilet was in a bad state- wet floors, wee-wee on/underneath the toilets seat and soap scum all over the sink. I can’t stand a dirty toilet that I need to use, and every time I am faced with one, I simply roll up my sleeves, clean up the floor, toilet, and sink before and after use. I believe the little things we do go a long way to make a difference. I had the choice to do one of the following when I found the toilet in a bad state:
- whine and complain to the flight attendants to do their job.
- use the toilet as is and don’t clean up because it wasn’t my job to do.
- Clean up the toilet before and after use.
I chose the high road- option 3- it wasn’t convenient but it left the toilet in a better state not only for me but for the next person. The funny thing is that I have cleaned airplane toilets so many times. It isn’t a one- off act. I mean, for me, this was also an opportunity to set the example for the next person. I know some people might ask, ‘why didn’t inform the flight attendants to do their job?’ Well, I wasn’t in the mood to do this . However, sometimes, there are some things that are better left unsaid
What does it take take to make a difference-
- A little step- it is the little things that matter and count. Julia Carney wrote in her poem (‘Little Things,’ 1845) ‘ Little drops of water, Little grains of sand, make the mighty ocean, And the pleasant land’
- An opportunity- You may not have that big opportunity now to be on the world stage but what are you doing with the little opportunity that you have? You don’t have to clean up an unsightly toilet on the plane like I did, but can you do your little part to make the whole part more impactful?
- No expectation of a reward- Rewards are great when you expect praise or admiration for something you have done. When your intention is to genuinely make a difference, such as or living your selfless values, please don’t expect a reward. If you get one, it is okay, but don’t expect it.
Making a difference shouldn’t be too hard. It can start with a decision in your heart today to resolve to do those little things in your own way I.e. volunteering to read to a group of underserved children or donating supplies to an orphanage. These acts of kindness go a long way to make our world a better place. We should not be prodded to make a difference- do it willingly and cheerfully because it is the right attitude. When we make a difference, it also give us self-fulfillment while contributing to the lives of others. Today is a perfect day to make this decision- set out to make a difference when faced with any opportunity, and don’t forget, expect no reward in return.