When it comes to making a difference we often think about famous people who are in the news, or individuals who hold positions of power in society. Sometimes making a difference can be negative if the differences that are created are steeped in selfishness, hate, racism, misogyny, or xenophobia. When we truly are making a difference it results in increasing understanding, empathy and love.

NOTE: Click on images to enlarge. Photographs have been added to serve as visual breaks.

Making a Difference Begins Internally

Before we can begin making a difference we need to critically examine ourselves. Our motivations. Our fears. Our goals. Our actions. Our emotions. Coming to grips with the reality that is us can be an unnerving, and a sometimes painful experience.

It is easy to live one’s life in a bubble of self-unawareness. Bursting that bubble takes courage as we don’t really know what we’ll find. Sometimes there is a void which aches. More often than not material possessions are poured into the void. They simply fall into an abyss of self-loathing. So more is poured in… also with no effect. The personal hollowness continues unabated. It may be temporarily masked by materialism… but the ache continues.

We obscure self-awareness with the false belief that we are what we have and own. Our career. Our titles. Our incomes and investments. Our homes, cars and other possessions. Our partners. Our children.  Like multiple layers of bandages these things patch over the raw wound of self-unawareness… but do not heal it.

Accepting the Unknown

The human experiences of billions that have gone before us have served to confirm that a possible future beyond this realm remains unknown and unproven. Theories and dogma abound.

Some people have had out-of-body experiences which have led them to consider the potential that consciousness may continue beyond our physical state. The nature and timing of that potential also remains unknown and unproven.

Seeking redemption for the transgressions we’ve committed against others is a convenient panacea. Our past actions are not washed away or otherwise cleansed.

We often use beliefs and dogma as justifications for our ill treatment of others. For stripping away their human rights. For treating them as if they are somehow subservient to us. We make self-absorbed value judgements that our beliefs and perspectives are superior to those held by others.

For countless generations humankind has feared that nothing exists for us after physical death. Fear creates anger and hurt. Making a difference involves accepting that the future beyond this existence is unknown… and likely always will be. All we have is today and what we choose to do with it. Accepting the unknown frees us to live today’s moments fully and fruitfully.

Acts of Kindness

Making a difference can be found by committing random acts of kindness. A helping hand. A heartfelt message of encouragement or condolence. A donation of time or resource. A smile. A nod. Small acts of kindness at the right moment can help alleviate pain, fear or uncertainty.

Acts of kindness are transformed into actions of self-interest, selfishness, self-importance, or self-aggrandizement when we attach expectations of thanks or recognition to them.

Sharing Our Best Selves

Each of us has talents and abilities to share. When we do so with the intent to improve the life of another without any expectation of personal reward, we are making a difference… no matter how small.

Honesty Without Being Hurtful

Making a difference often involves sharing honest observations without being hurtful. Helping others to grow their self-awareness opens doors to unleash their potential.

Learning to observe the tiger, rather than ride it.

When we allow our emotions to control our lives unchecked… we are choosing to ride the tiger. It can be a perilous journey. Our ability to think logically is inversely proportional to our level of emotional arousal. Learning to fully concentrate on feeling the physical sensations of our emotions breaks our thought patterns. When those thought patterns are broken, the emotions they create inside us melt away. We can then observe the tiger, rather than ride it.

Small Changes Count

Shifting our habitual behaviours contributes to making a difference. This is evident when we consider the impacts that our behaviours have on climate change. We can insulate our homes. Drive more fuel efficient vehicles. Take public transit. Walk or ride a bicycle. Resist the temptations of consumerism. Change our diet by reducing or eliminating animal proteins. Small changes like these can reduce our individual carbon footprints.

Appreciate the connectedness of humankind

None of us exist in a vacuum. We are all connected in a myriad of ways. Learning about other cultures and beliefs can increase our tolerance and acceptance of others. The true measure of societal success is examining how the most disadvantaged among us are treated.

Holding Ourselves Accountable

As our heads touch our pillows each night we can reflect on how we used our precious gift of time that day.  Holding ourselves accountable confirms one of two truths. Either our day was shallow and meaningless… or we had some success making a difference. Either way the road continues. At least for a while.

Technical Note:

Photographs were captured handheld using camera gear as noted in the EXIF data. Images were produced from RAW files using my standard approach in post. This is the 1,240 article published on this website since its original inception in 2015.

How you can help keep this site advertising free

My intent is to keep this photography blog advertising free. If you enjoyed this article and/or my website and would like to support my work, you can purchase an eBook, or make a donation through PayPal. Both are most appreciated.

Our eBooks include Images of Ireland, New Zealand Tip-to-Tip, Nikon 1: The Little Camera That Could, Desert & Mountain Memories, Images of Greece, Nova Scotia Photography Tour, and a business leadership parable… Balancing Eggs.

If you click on the Donate button below you will find that there are three donation options: $7.50, $10.00 and $20.00. All are in Canadian funds. Plus, you can choose a different amount if you want. You can also increase your donation amount to help offset our costs associated with accepting your donation through PayPal. An ongoing, monthly contribution to support our work can also be done through the PayPal Donate button below.

You can make your donation through your PayPal account, or by using a number of credit card options.

Word of mouth is the best form of endorsement. If you like our website please let your friends and associates know about our work. Linking to this site or to specific articles is allowed with proper acknowledgement. Reproducing articles, or any of the images contained in them, on another website or in any social media posting is a Copyright infringement.

Article is Copyright 2023 Thomas Stirr. Images are Copyright 2016-2020 Thomas Stirr. All rights reserved. No use, duplication or adaptation of any kind is allowed without written consent. If you see this article reproduced anywhere else it is an unauthorized and illegal use. Posting comments on offending websites and calling out individuals who steal intellectual property is always appreciated!