To all of you on planet Earth -
You will not be here for long.
It may feel like an eternity - funny how approximately one hundred years seems like a lengthy lifetime, but looking at the big picture it's but a blink of an eye.
You will only touch a limited number of lives.
Scientists suggest that throughout the course of the evolution of humanity, approximately 107 billion people have lived here on Earth. This means that no matter what you do - serve in government, write, act, work in science, etc... very little of what you do will have a long-lasting impact. Even the greatest, most profound discoveries, inventions, movements and ideas eventually lose their prominence when given the test of time. There are very few names that have lived on long after the person has passed.
It was Mahatma Gandhi who proclaimed that "whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it." And this is true.
More than anything else while you are here, don't forget to be kind.
Acting with kindness and compassion revolutionizes the world, even on a small scale. After all, small acts when performed by millions of people can transform the world.
Given the current political climate, it is more important now than ever to be kind and empathetic - to those around you, to the bountiful planet, to yourself.
People often claim that "I'm just one person - there's not much that I can do." However, being a positive influence in a world that is constantly shrouded in darkness often triggers a chain reaction, and it can start with something as simple as holding the door open, paying for the person in line behind you, or surprising someone you know who works hard with a $5 bouquet of flowers. Be the change you wish to see at a time when the world needs it more than ever.
Be good to yourself and the planet on which you live, not to mention those you share it with.
