Too often I hear teenagers say that nothing they do makes a difference. You do not have to effect change on a global level to make a difference. You change the world with the daily interactions you have with your family, friends, and people in your community. The simple things you do make the world a better place.
Kindness is a trait that many people seem to be lacking these days. We have all had experiences with road rage, bad customer service or someone who did something that was unkind to us. That is part of life. We do not have to be part of that trend. People remember kindness. You never know what difference a small act of kindness will have on someone else. You will be happier because of the way that you live your life.
Volunteer for a local organization. You do not have to go far to find someone who needs your help. There are organizations in all communities that help the homeless, provide support for battered women, provide daycare for families that are having a hard time, or build houses for those in need. There is a huge need for teens that are willing to help. I volunteered in the Special Olympics as a teenager and it is an experience that I will never forget. When you reach outside of yourself and help someone it is easier to forget your own problems.
Teens can be politically active. You may not be able to vote yet but you can do a lot to support the causes that you feel are important. Write letters to your senator. Write letters to your city government. Let them know what issues are important to you and what ideas you have that can improve the community. Organize your thoughts well and write them clearly and your ideas will be listened to. Volunteer to help the political candidate you support in their campaign. They always need people to make phone calls or deliver flyers.
Get the education you need to have a successful career. You may have a desire to work in a career field that has the potential to touch many lives. You may touch the lives of your coworkers and customers. It doesn’t matter how far reaching your influence is. What matters is that you have an influence. An educated person is in a much better position to make a difference in the world and determine the avenues that they need to take to make a change.
You have the ability to make the world a better place because you were a part of it. The small things that may seem insignificant make up our lives. Our actions create our character. Live up to the potential you have and make a difference in the world right where you are.
Rachel Lister - Rachel is a mother to three beautiful and very active boys, ages 5 and 3, and 15 months. When her oldest son was born she quit her ...
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