Events Shape Us or We Shape Events

In light of the school massacre and other tragedies of this past year, it is easy to feel depressed, sad, angry, hostile and all the negative emotions that grief and failure use to imprison us.

But rather than staying trapped in those cages, feeling sorry for ourselves, complaining that the world is going to hell, consider this.

If each one of us does something, one kindness, something helpful, one positive encouraging word, one big smile, one courageous deed…imagine what could happen!

So, what can I do…and what will you do?

I will focus on that one opportunity, that one gift, that one thing I can do and do it to the best of my abilities to invest in another human being. And after that, do it again, laugh with someone, share a story, make a friend, encourage a child, care a little bit more. I will spend my life doing something good, becoming a light in a dark place.

I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.-Edward Everett Hale

In the end, we do have a choice. In the end, it's up to us to make a difference right where we are or build a cage and go sulk.