Taking on the World

I want to inspire people. I didn’t know what I wanted to do six months ago, but I have somewhat of an idea now.

At first I was afraid to talk about it. I felt like as a teenager I was supposed to know what I wanted to do with my life, but at the same time I felt like I was “too young” to make any serious decisions on my own. For the longest time I said that I was “keeping my options open,” but in reality I simply wasn’t giving any thought to it.

I’m not sure how it started. I wrote stories when I was little. I still have my six-year-old diary, filled with doodles of human and dog stick figures and small squiggly lines that made up my backwards letters. Maybe my desire to write began then. Maybe it was when my mom suggested that I take a journalism class in tenth grade, but at that time I shrugged my shoulders and told her that I wasn’t interested. Then I discovered how many different ways you can write and realized that you can write about almost anything. I read paperback books and online articles. I was inspired by what I read, and, over time, I realized that I wanted to have the same effect on others. Although I cannot pinpoint the exact date and time that I expressed interest in writing, I know now that I want to inspire people with my words. I want to inspire others to inspire others. In that way, we will be the light in the world.

You may not think that an individual light can do much, but combined with all the others it can make a huge glow. Impact the world little by little, for we influence the world by giving of ourselves. Volunteer. Do random acts of kindness. Talk to the old lady sitting next to you on the shopping mall bench. Pick up the shiny metal spoon your waitress dropped on the ground. It helps so much with your perspective on the world when you open up. Talk to people about your dreams, even if they shoot them down. Never give up. Even a dwindling fire emits light. Trust. Trust that God will take care of you, even when no one else will. Have faith in Him. Just as Jesus said to His Apostles, “Be not afraid.” Experience life so that you will know what you want to do. Most importantly, in whatever you choose to do, aspire to be a good person, for the world needs such good people.

Love always,

Gail