Always Looking for Inspiration

I look for inspiration all the time. Things that make me think, things that make me feel, things that give me hope. My sisters friends had a baby not to long ago and since I just love kids they let me hold onto her for a few minutes. They took a picture and I thought nothing of it at the time until they posted it on Facebook. It is funny how the simple picture of a child can inspire your thoughts. She is too cute!

The point is that inspiration can come from the oddest of places. Sometimes we get so focused that we don't take the time to really breath in and absorb everything around us. I happened to read a great blog post about the difference between choosing a path and choosing a goal. Jason, at A Miracle A Day, distinguishes the two by saying that when we focus too much on a goal we get trapped by it, whereas if we choose a path we can travel it at our own pace and in any way we so choose.

The metaphore of life as a path holds true. Things happen all around us, all the time, and the more we take notice and heed our true calling the more we can enjoy all that comes our way. If you, like myself, want to change the world, start with yourself. Find the inspiration all around you, in the eyes of a baby, or the writing of a two-bit blogger like myself.

Walk the path of your choosing, and take it all in, every second, because unfortunately at some point that path will end and life will be the sum of all the steps you took to get there. If you don't enjoy each step then what is the point of taking any?

Social Websites for People Interested in Changing the World

The more and more I get into this blogging thing, and get connected with other people who are doing the same thing or interested in doing the same thing, the more I am getting turned on to new or different social networking websites for people who are interested in doing something to improve the world. I came across this great blog post, Networks for Change, by Jason Diceman over at WorldChanging. He outlines and gives a general overview of what each has to offer. I have profiles on a number of them now, but it is difficult to keep up with them as they pop up. I just joined a new one in its BETA phase called UnltdWorld. I am new to all of them and couldn't give an honest opinion one way or the other on which ones I like best and why. If you have any feedback please pass it along.

The great thing about social network websites is that you are able to connect with people from all around the world who you share some sort of interest with. The important thing, though, is to take advantage of your ability to network and take action. It is not enough to add someone to your friend list and watch your number of friends rise. What is important is to take the connection and make a difference with it. How many of your friends on these websites have you talked to since they were added. I know this because I am probably the most guilty of all. There is no substitute for creating actual friendships and making real connections. They are possible over the internet but they don't magically exist because you "agree to being their friend". Make the most of the opportunity that sights like Facebook provide. Post your new project, or idea and let others take an interest, ask opinions, hear advice. Make use of this 'Flat World' instead of taking it for granted.