Yesterday was the birthday of someone I met at a speaking engagement years ago. She has been supporting my work a long time and frequently responds to my Tuesday emails to express her sincere gratitude when my message speaks directly to her. She thanks me and sends me a beautiful heartfelt blessing for my day and coming week. For privacy, I won't mention her name, but she knows who she is! Happy birthday! May God bless you richly in the coming year, with many unexpected gifts!

As most of us are, this reader is facing some serious life challenges. She let me know that my last two weeks of emails have offered her much-needed hope and encouragement. And yet, by reaching out to thank me, she is being the gift to me! She didn’t have to take the time to do that, but I am so honored and fulfilled, knowing something I did had a meaningful impact. See the lovely circle when we all do our part? If you missed the last two emails, click the links to read "Finding the Miracle" and "Just Showing Up."

Continually, I stand in awe of the ways our lives are so closely woven together, both with random people whose path we may only cross once, as well as with those we come to know intimately. In our own unique ways, we serve one another with support, love, and comfort—whatever is needed at just the right times.

I think about the story of the little boy on the seashore picking up starfish and throwing them back in the water. A man comes along and questions his actions, reminding him he can't save them all so what’s the point of trying. The boy throws another one in and says, “I made a difference for that one.”

Similarly, when I save a frog or a baby bird, or something else just as helpless that was brought into our garage by cats for a different kind of “circle,” they get another chance to live. And for the ones I find already fatally wounded, I take them outside so they can die in the grass under the sky, spending their last moments safe and in peace. I know I'm not changing the circle of life, but I am making a difference for the few I touch.

Anytime I hear from readers who appreciate my writing, I am blessed and the circle of love is complete. But even when I am not aware of any difference I am making, I keep sharing my gifts anyway, because I know that's what I'm here for, professionally and personally. That's what we are all here for, personally at least, to make a difference in the lives we touch. How different would the world be if we all embraced the philosophy, “It’s not always about me.”

You don't have to have a public platform to touch lives. We are all given opportunities multiple times throughout every day to make a difference for someone else. It's easy to get so caught up in our own troubles and to-do lists that we miss the human beings put on our path. We’re invited to be there for them, even if only for a moment, just like we are put on other people’s path and they have the invitation to recognize and encourage us.

What are your favorite ways to make a small difference for others?

Maybe we hold our gaze with a stranger a second longer to make a connection and let them know they are seen? We might put a few dollars in the Salvation Army bucket, while sharing a moment of heart with the volunteer who is braving the elements to ring that bell. Many people in fast food and beverage environments are treated with disrespect, or worse, indifference. A kind word of appreciation for whatever they did right can go a long way. No, it's not likely one of us is going to change the whole world, but we can change the day or at least a moment for many individuals today and every day.

Are you up for a challenge? See how fast you can positively impact five people in a small way, especially where you might normally be too self-absorbed to notice someone. Look for the chance to bring honor, respect, dignity, or joy to someone on your path. It may go so much farther than you can even imagine.

Bonus points if you extend love to someone who “doesn't deserve it.” After all, who are we to judge anyone? We don’t know what they’re dealing with. If we can let ourselves believe that most people are doing their best, compassion can replace judgment and inspire us to take action. 

Sending or delivering anonymous cards and gifts is a beautiful way to bring joy to our friends, families and neighbors. It makes the act of kindness all about them, eliminating any motive to bring attention to ourselves.

What ideas do you have for spreading good cheer?

Let’s remember widows and single parents who always need extra support and encouragement, not only in words, but also in deeds. Can you babysit for an hour, or offer to bring something from the store? Make extra food to share?

Remember those who have lost a loved one this year who will be experiencing the holidays for the first time without them. The firsts are so hard.

Want to multiply your efforts? Ask three of your friends to join you today, or this week. Set up a group text and every time one of you makes a small difference in someone’s day, text the group and tell them what you did. Each of you will inspire the next act of kindness. And of course you know I want to hear about it, so please share your stories in our FTG Readers Group plus any other suggestions for how we can be making a difference for one, today and throughout the year.

For today let's make noticing people and responding with loving kindness an expanded part of “our best.”

Wishing you gentleness and love as you seek to share your gifts, making a difference for one (or five!). As we bless others, we in turn experience greater meaning and fulfillment, thus enriching our own lives. That is the circle of life I love to participate in the most!