DO you matter?

[OctMtnWoods]

There was a time that I probably used to matter much more than I currently do. I'm sure there will be a time in the future where I matter more than I currently do. I'm sort of on vacation from mattering (is that even a word ) right now.

I'm sure I matter to someone.

 

[Keli]

I don't think my 'value' as a human is measurable, no one's is, IMHO. All souls are infinitely valuable. You, me, everyone.

 

[mamajoan]

I celebrated the 10th anniversary of the auto accident that changed my life .. this summer. I was a PTA providing Home Health PT. I loved that I did make a difference in people's lives.. everyday.
The accident changed my life as I was no longer able to work due to injuries. I felt so useless. You have to understand, that it is tough to be cared for.. instead of being the care giver.... Fast forward.....
3 years ago I became a CASA, volunteer, a court appointed special advocate for abused and neglected children. I have a large caseload for a CASA. When I began... I wondered.. how I could make a difference to children who have been soooo neglected, physically abused and abandoned. that live in the deepest depth of poverty. I wish I could tell you some stories about my CASA kids... but I can't... confidentiality issues. I can say a childthat I have been working with for a few years told all over schoolmates as they saw me hobble in the cafeteria door for a visit.." that's Ms. Joan, she is my voice in court, she tells the judge what I want, she makes sure that nobody hurts me, she is always around, she is cool" swear to pete!! the kid is awesome! amd has come so far.. like most of the CASA kids has been thru hell.
So my visiting kids, families, going to court hearings, schools, DCFS, daycares, meeting, is making a difference.. a little bit at a time.
but you know what... I have gotten back soooo much more. So I guess in giving.. I am getting...





this was not done to brag or anything.. just to answer op's ?

 

[Planogirl]

I sometimes feel useless but I think that this is because I feel that I'm not doing what I'm supposed to do. I'm not actually useless (who is?) but I feel out of place.

We all matter. In some way we touch people and creatures and make a difference. If you question whether you matter you may also not be in the right place. You can change that.

 

[NHdisneylover]

OP--I think I get it. You just want to see some examples of how others are "starting with the man in the mirror." Right?
Anyway, I think EVERYONE matters. Our actions WILL make a difference--good or bad or often both. The heart of the question, as I read it (sorry if I am totally off base OP) is what do you do to make the world a better place and how concious are you of the effects your actions have on others/the enviornment, etc?

I am pretty aware most of the time that things I do affect more than just me or my family. I try to think of hte bigger picture and the more long term consequences pretty regularly.
I guess I do lots of little things. The things that would make a huge difference if we all did them instead of worrying about how small it is when it is just us and the ignoring them because it is small. I also try not to point these things out and be annoying and snobbish, but I do not hide what I do and will answer honestly if someone asks why I do not shop at Wal Mart or why I just unplugged the computer before leaving the house or whatever.

I try to treat everyone with respect and kindness. Along with that I try to notice when someone needs a little help and offer it is I think they do. It might just be holding a door or helping a mom get a stroller off the train.

I am raising my children with lots of love and to be kind, loving, respectful and responsible people.

I do "bigger" things too like donating to causes I believe in and volunteering in the school library or other places, hosting Fresh Air Fund children and exchange students, etc. But I honestly believe it is the little things which make the most difference. Funny, one thing I have seen make a differnce is something I never thought of as "doing" anything. I have photos up on the house of my family with my best friend's family. Several of them. I never thought twice about it. I have lots of photos up it is just what I do. Anyway, time and again people have commented on these photos. I am pretty sure I have made at least a few people think twice about how they perceive some differnet families and how they may treat some people just by seeing that my family (who they know well and are okay with having the kids play with or whatever) feels about a family they may have origianlly considered associating with (sorry to be so unclear here--trying very hard to explain myself as it relates to the question without getting political).

 

[Carly_Roach]

My contribution to society is to leave people alone and allow them to be who they are with as little judgment about them as possible. I may vent once in awhile to DH, family, friends and here, but unless someone asks me for my opinion I typically keep it to myself and allow other people to be who they are.

The best thing we can do for other people (and ourselves) is to allow others to be the way they are, stop all the drama and hissy fits about what the other person is doing, and allow ourselves to create our own happiness while they create their own happiness.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Well Im a floater/sub teacher at a preschool but its not like I matter much.

On the contrary! I sub as well (pre-K to 8th) and see it very differently. - You are stepping in and reassuring kids who are scared because the adult they trust is missing. You may be giving them a fresh chance if they've been having a bad week with their regular teacher. Or providing them an opportunity to show off what they've learned with her and build their self-esteem. And you're certainly helping prevent the spread of illness, because the teachers feel they can call in if they're sick because they trust YOU to look out for those precious kids they care about.

Any chance to make a child's day better makes the world better.



As for me, outside of work, I volunteer with a food pantry, the Cub Scouts, our church, and the parents group at DS's school.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

At this point in time, I would say no. My focus is on my family right now.

 

[Serena]

Everyone, everything we do matters. It may not be a conscious effort like volunteering, but we all matter. We never know when a smile at a stranger affects their life, listening to someone, offering advice, raising our children, being a neighbor, being understanding instead of judgmental, trying to be caring and kind, being a friend, etc. We all matter.

My conscious effort is trying to do something nice for someone every day.

 

[Serena]

At this point in time, I would say no. My focus is on my family right now.

Again, you matter. Your family depends on you, your children learn from you.

 

[Octoberbride03]

I don't think my 'value' as a human is measurable, no one's is, IMHO. All souls are infinitely valuable. You, me, everyone.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Again, you matter. Your family depends on you, your children learn from you.

Thanks Serena.

I just mean outside of my extended family. I don't feel to "giving" of myself right now. My focus is close to home for various reasons. Which is OK, I am not lamenting it. My family and extended family is enough work for me right now.

When I have the energy and time I hope to expand my circle again.

 

[LuvOrlando]

I make an effort to contribute to the people around me. I try to make other people's lives easier and try really hard not to make their lives more difficult. I am also trying to raise 2 amazing kids that I will someday send out into the world who will, hopefully, make it a better place for someone else. I don't know if that will amount to much in the end but I do it anyway. I don't think trying is vain, it's what I am supposed to do isn't it? Maybe it is? I'm confused by the multiple sentiments expressed here

 

[KimR]

I see what you are saying, but I dont think that should give anyone a pass to DO NOTHING. And addressing a pp... I know people who contribute NOTHING. I think we each should purposefully try to help or make some kind of change... to someone or some thing somewhere.

I'd like to make a change. Or start something.
I think lately I am feeling like I'm not doing that.

I know what you mean. I feel I matter very much to my family but that's as far as it goes. To be honest, on most days that's enough for me, but still, there will come a time when my children don't need me as much. I'd like to think when that time comes I will be able to do something that will make a difference in the lives of others. Doesn't have to be big - I'd just like to do something other than use up oxygen. What, though? I don't know.

 

[Serena]

I make an effort to contribute to the people around me. I try to make other people's lives easier and try really hard not to make their lives more difficult. I am also trying to raise 2 amazing kids that I will someday send out into the world who will, hopefully, make it a better place for someone else. I don't know if that will amount to much in the end but I do it anyway. I don't think trying is vain, it's what I am supposed to do isn't it? Maybe it is? I'm confused by the multiple sentiments expressed here

I agree it is what we are supposed to do, hopefully most people feel the same way, but I know many do not.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

I try to make a difference in the lives of the people around me. All that I hope for in this world is to love and be loved. My legacy is my family. Beyond that, I am not a philosopher...

 

[ZephyrHawk]

Personally, I don't think I matter at all to the "big picture". But then I'm a biologist, not a philosopher. My sole cause is survival and differential reproduction.

 

[teacups]

I think I'm feeling a little depressed. I want to feel like Im making something better than it was, but right now I just am not doing it. My kids and family, yes. But nothing further than that right now. And some days not even that.

 

[C.Ann]

I think I'm feeling a little depressed. I want to feel like Im making something better than it was, but right now I just am not doing it. My kids and family, yes. But nothing further than that right now. And some days not even that.

Now see - if you had posted this question differently, my response would have been different.. Like - "I don't feel as though I'm doing anything in my life that matters to the others - as opposed to my own family.. What types of things could I do?"

I then would have proceeded to list some possibilities - without any mention of whether they are the particular things that I engage in or not.. See what I mean?

 

[disneyworldluvr349]

I know what you are asking Teacups.

My goal for my future, is to be in a place where I can live my life as a humanitarian.
I want to help causes like hunger/poverty relief, AIDS cures, Genocide in third world countries, abuse victims support, animal rights, and many, many more.
I want to visit other countries and inspire them to make a change, make a difference. To "Be The Change They Want To See In The World" as Gandi put it.

I have changed because of recent events, and because I have been inspired to leave my mark in the world. I want to do my part in making it "a better place for you and me and the entire human race."

I don't want to do nothing for mankind, I want to spread peace, love, and unity, in any way I can.