“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Sir Winston Churchill.

Whilst at the supermarket last week, I had a short conversation with a stranger. During our brief chat, she said that she felt that the world just wasn’t normal anymore, that there were lots of problems and it was full of uncertainty. I think that she summed up how many people are feeling at the present time.

This year, Europe has seen war break out on its land for the first time in almost 80 years with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It has caused much human suffering and loss. It has caused much death and destruction. Many people have had to flee their homes and leave their possessions and in some cases family behind. They have had to seek refuge in other countries. It’s sad to see this happening.

Here in the UK, we have much political turmoil, economic challenges and huge increases to mortgages and energy prices and this is causing much anxiety for many people.

All of this has got me thinking about small steps we can all take to help others and improve our environments.

So, with the above in mind and building on last week’s theme of kindness, this week’s blog post is short and simple. It features one of my favourite little stories which I hope you enjoy reading.

The Starfish Story

Original Story by: Loren Eisley

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean.

The surf is up and the tide is going out.  If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf.  Then, smiling at the man, he said…

“I made a difference for that one.”

This week, why not pause for a few moments and consider what small steps you can take to make a positive difference to the world or someone’s life.

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk