The Starfish Story, a wonderful reminder

The Starfish Story

A young man is walking along the ocean and sees a beach on which thousands and thousands of starfish have washed ashore.

Further along he sees an old man, walking slowly and stooping often, picking up one starfish after another and tossing each one gently into the ocean.

“Why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?,” he asks.“Because the sun is up and the tide is going out and if I don’t throw them further in they will die.”

“But, old man, don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it! You can’t possibly save them all, you can’t even save one-tenth of them. In fact, even if you work all day, your efforts won’t make any difference at all.”

The old man listened calmly and then bent down to pick up another starfish and threw it into the sea.

​“It made a difference to that one.”

Make a difference in a small way, every day.  To yourself, to those you encounter.

It doesn't have to be a giant event.  A smile, an honest 'how are you?' and waiting for an answer, holding a door, helping someone carry something, offering to bring dinner to someone, a coffee date with a friend who is struggling, signing up for the work volunteer event....  

For yourself-- choosing a healthier meal option, taking a deep breath (or 10), carving out a half hour for a workout, taking a fun class, treating yourself to a glass of wine with your favorite people....

What are your favorite ways to make a difference, both to those around you and yourself?


Thanks for reading,
Kate