I Made a Difference Today
This is going to be
great. Too often I just spit out words even if it is not what I truly mean.
This assignment might be considered a challenge but I welcome it with open
arms. Kind, useful, and true. Today I will be kind, useful, and true.
Kind [kiand]– considerate or humane.
Useful [yoos-ful]-beneficial, serviceable, or helpful
True [troo]- real, genuine, or authentic.[1]
It
is clear in the definitions of the words kind, useful, and true that they are
pure, natural, humane qualities. Why is it that so many of us get caught up in
the day to day nonsense and take for granted these beautiful qualities that we
each withhold. Those who portray these qualities not only act happier, but they
glow. As corny as that sounds it is true. Whenever I spoke today, I smiled. Nothing
in my opinion is brighter or more honest than a smile. Everything I said came
from within. I did not worry about someone taking my words the wrong way,
hurting someone’s feelings, or portraying a character untrue to myself. I simply
smiled, and spoke.
I
spoke to strangers today. I spoke to classmates, to past professors, to the women at
Starbucks, and to the maintenance man who so kindly came to fix my window. All
of these people that fill Loyola’s campus are a part of my life, and I seldom
appreciate their friendly companionship. They’re here not to just be passer-bys,
but for me to learn from, to share my experiences with, and to talk—simply just
to talk.
I
took people by surprise today. I’m typically sarcastic with my friends a large
chunk of the time. Not today. Today, I told my roommate who was in a
mid-college crisis, “all of your
hard work will pay off. You’re not only smart and dedicated but you have a
great personality—and companies can’t resist a triple threat.” She stared at
me. A solid 90 seconds of silence. She was waiting for the punch line, for me
to break out in laughter, or the grand finale… drum roll please? After another
30 seconds of silence, I stood up and said, “but seriously.” She just sat there
and smiled.
I
laughed today. I laughed a lot to think about it. When all the worries, stress,
and negative thoughts are out of mind, how can someone resist laughter? Laughter
is so pure. I did not only laugh at jokes, but when I was happy, or when
someone responded to my kind words with joy and appreciation. I laughed at the
little things. I laughed at myself. I even laughed at my ignorance. Why do I
not live every day like today?
Most
importantly, I had fun today. The innocence of smiling, speaking, surprising, and
laughing were uplifting. It was so simple to only say things that are kind,
useful and true. Not only was it enjoyable for me, but for the people whom I
interacted with. Whether they said it or not, I could tell. Close bonds can be
created with the most unexpected people if you are genuine.
I’m sure Dr. Ellis
knew what she was doing when she assigned this iExamen. She says it so often,
that our class is made up of truly great people. All it took was one day, for
me to realize that she was right. All I can do is hope that I was able to pass
that same realization along to another person today.
I made a difference today.
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