When did people stop being of service to others?

I'm not talking about the kinds of people I feature in this blog or, most likely, the people who are reading it.

I'm talking about people who don't pick up a piece of litter because it's not 'theirs' or can't be bothered seek out even the tiniest way to improve the environment around them because they didn't personally create whatever needs to be 'fixed'. It's not about who caused the problem...it's about being the one who provides a solution.

Although it may seem from the people I feature in this blog that the big vision is the way to go, we really don't have to do massive things to change the world. Support someone else's vision, contribute to something that doesn't directly benefit you, share the opportunity with those who aren't aware of it.

This message was reinforced when I had the opportunity to meet a Mayan shaman last year who came to Austin to discuss the Mayan Prophecy and what can be done to change that predicted outcome. He said it wasn't just about how big an impact you can make, it's about what you do everyday that raises the positive energy in your world. Smile at someone, open the door, yield in traffic...move beyond yourself to expand the happiness in someone else's world and it will benefit all of us.

The bottom line: each of us just needs to give back at the level we've received...plus a bit more. Give more than you get, you'll love the results.