Useful Contributions

"Remember always that you have not only the right to be an individual; you have an obligation to be one. You cannot make any useful contribution in life unless you do this." - Eleanor Roosevelt, first lady (1933-1945) and reform leader

As time goes by and I read more and more of the quotes from this calendar, "Believing In Ourselves", I'm finding some favorite quotes. Several of my favorites are from Eleanor Roosevelt. I knew she was instrumental in reform back in the day but I never realized how much I related to the topics she addressed many years ago.

Making a useful contribution during my lifetime is a priority for me today. My focus is on doing God's will and I believe that means I get the opportunity to help others whenever possible. I must admit that I wasn't always concerned with making any kind of contribution when I was younger. I tended to be selfish and self-centered. My focus then was on what I was going to get out of any situation I was in. I'm not proud of this, but it's the truth. This selfish outlook on life left me miserable and depressed most of the time. I expected life to go a certain way and I was disappointed most of the time.

The good news is that my thinking has shifted (in a good way). The happiness I feel after I've helped someone is the best feeling ever. I had no idea I could feel so good by making a contribution rather than looking out for myself. I'm grateful that I have both the right and the obligation to make a useful contribution as Mrs. Roosevelt stated. The more I give the more I receive. The more love and joy I give, the more love and joy I receive. The more anger and frustration I give, the more anger and frustration I receive. I believe this is referred to as the law of attraction. I find I need to be conscious of just what I'm giving in order to be sure I get a positive return.

Today I know I have a blessed life and I choose to share that with everyone I meet. I've made a decision to be a contributor today and always.