“I am only one. But still, I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”

- Edward Everett Hale

This quote came across my desk this week and I was quite taken with it from the first moment I read it. I think we dwell on the fact that we are only one person and that we cannot possibly make a difference or do anything as one person. We also live in a very pessimistic society.

I went to an event in Cincinnati on Friday night. The speaker had written 80 books and is an expert in his field, yet his talk seemed to dwell on all of the “horrible and pessimistic” facts surrounding values of people in our society today versus 50 years ago. Our society has definitely changed but why dwell on the “downer” facts; tell me about the great things that we are doing today and how we have become a better society. When I go hear someone speak I want to hear the positive, I want to be energized, I want the good news!

During the nearly 9 years that Hannah’s Treasure Chest has existed, I have watched individuals time and again do something and do it well. I have watched people bring awareness to our cause because they are simply good at talking to people and drawing them to us. I have watched people come in the door and say that they really don’t have anything but time to give but they are willing to give that. These people have made a great impact – time is a wonderful asset.

Others who do not have time to give do what they can in other ways. I have several mentors who are available via phone or email that help by providing expert advice in a specific area. These people are wonderful resources. They do not refuse their advice as it is something they can do, no matter how busy their schedules.

I’d like to encourage anyone reading this to remember that, although you are only one person, you can do something. Pay it forward and give back in some way. Determine what it is that you like doing and do something with that passion. If we all do something, no matter how big or small, the world would be a much better place.

“Life is not always getting what you want; it also involves what you can give for the others.”

- Nathalie Fiset