Our lives are a culmination of our experiences, how others motivate us, who believes in us, and our feelings towards it all. Like it or not, we are all intertwined. There is no such thing as self-made. Our lives will always intersect the lives of others. Those intersections help to shape who we are, how we see the world, and ultimately our position within it.
That’s why it’s essential that each one of us understand the impact we have on the people in our lives and as a result the entire world. How we treat others matter. Who we become, matters. The way we interact matters. If not just for self, then for those closest to us.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a believer or not, there is a great verse in the Bible that speaks volumes about what I just wrote.
Philippians 2:3-4
3. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.
Age old advice that preaches (pun intended) the importance of living for others, while at the same time living for self. Never underestimate the importance of other people in your life, they help to shape you, and you, them.
This is the crux of my philosophy and why I tell people to be more so that they can do more. Yes, it’s essential to work towards being the best version of yourself so that you can meet your own goals, but also so that you can assist others in doing the same.
Each one of us has value. Some more than others but we all have value none the less. That value is shared each time we invite somebody into our lives. Our lives are enriched each time we enter into a relationship with another, just as their lives are enhanced by the value we bring. That value isn’t always easy to spot, and we sometimes take it for granted but if you slow down, pay attention, and understand that we’re all in this together you’ll live a better, happier, more productive life because of it.
If each of us made it our mission to become more and then focused on helping others to do the same, while at the same time influencing them to pay it forward, that’s how we change the world. That’s how we make life better for everybody. That’s how we all move forward. Never doubt that you can make a difference. Don’t believe the lie that one is too small a number. You are enough. I am enough. We. Are. Enough.