I have always been fascinated by pictures sent from space looking upon our little planet we call earth. It is mind boggling really, to contemplate our tiny existence, and how we fit into the grand scheme of things.
Here are some comments from a few who have recently seen the earth from this perspective:
“Every single part of earth reacts with every other part. Seeing the planet from above makes you realize that and makes you want to be a little more proactive keeping it that way.
“Karen Nyberg—US astronaut
“You’ve got this planet beneath you, and a lot of what you see, especially during the day, does not necessarily point to a human presence….we really have to stick together as a human family to make sure we are a permanent presence on this planet and not just this blink of an eye.”
Samantha Cristoforetri—Italian astronaut
“The thing that grew in me over these flights was a real motivation and desire…to not just enjoy these sights and take these pictures….but to make it matter.”
Kathy Sullivan—US Astronaut
It was their vision of something much bigger than themselves, which instilled in them a great desire to be proactive and determined to make a difference; to add to the whole of this earthly experience. As we find our little “space” on the planet, it is important to recognize that every person born into this existence matters, and has a special purpose. Discovering who we are and establishing our own vision and purpose is critical to living into your dreams.
It was Ronald Reagan who said [and this is inscribed on his tombstone] “I know in my heart that man is good. That what is right will always eventually triumph. And, that there is purpose and worth to each and every life.”
Here are three ways to move your vision forward:
- Don’t let the grandeur of the universe diminish your unique worth. It is natural perhaps, when seeing the awesomeness of humanity and our existence, or facing personal challenges that can cause one to minimize their self-worth—especially if comparing oneself to everyone around you, which might make one feel of their own nothingness. If this is a feeling you might have, then know that you are listening to the wrong voices.
- Be a part of the community and don’t live in isolation. Humility is a key to success; however, hibernating in your own cave does not equal humility; it only equals hibernation. Bears do that each year, but they still have to come out and make themselves a part of the family of the living; expanding their contributions to the earth on which they live. If you are hibernating because of self-doubt, you are choosing to limit your vision. Find the courage to take a step out of your cave, into the light of day. The world is anxious for your contribution.
- Follow the inner-voice and keep moving forward. Have you identified your core values? Have you come to understand a bit of your unique purpose? Have you started to make your mark in sharing your contributions and making the world a better place because you lived? I have found that every single person I have ever met, has a contribution to make that is meaningful.
Perhaps a story that sums up these three keys was our recent trip to Korea. While we were attending the Global Business and Interfaith Peace conference there, I was requested an interview by the press. This particular press group was made up of developmentally disabled young adults. They sat before me, clearly challenged both physically and mentally, striving to articulate questions through an interpreter. I looked into their eyes, and though their speech was limited and their mannerisms uncoordinated, they were enlivened and passionate about what they were doing. I could not help but notice that they were uninhibited and joyous in their purpose. After the interview, I stood and hugged each of the reporters and expressed my love and admiration to them. They were clearly living into their dreams. They were not held back by their challenges. Rather, they put themselves out there, had confidence that they could make a difference, were not comparing themselves to anyone around them, and were moving forward as they listened to the voice within which spoke into their purpose. I have rarely been so moved.
Perhaps these keys will allow you to both appreciate the grandeur of your existence, and at the same time, understand the unique contribution you are and can make to the world you live in.
