Everything Matters

Photo: M Ventor Pexels

‘We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then is not an act, but a habit.

Will Durant

I just finished reading an inspiring book called, ‘I May Be Wrong’ by Bjorn Natthiko Lindeblad.

Filled with wisdom, the book reminds us of the impact we have on one another and how powerful our thoughts, feelings, and actions are.

One simple story is about Ajahn Passano, who was a monk that Bjorn met in the Monastery. He shared with Bjorn about a time he went home for Christmas and his cousin offered him a whiskey.

Ajahn politely said no thank you, and told him that Monks and nuns in the Buddhist tradition refrain from drinking alcohol.

Coaxing Ajahn, the cousin replied, ‘Oh come on, no one will ever know.’

But Ajahn looked up at him and replied quietly and honestly, ‘I will know.’

Another story that reflects this same message is about the little girl who was throwing washed-up starfish back into the ocean. A man who is passing by stops and asks the girl why she is bothering to do this when it will make no difference. 

The little girl looks up at the man as she throws another starfish into the ocean and replies, ‘It matters to this one.’

Something beautiful happens in the world when we value and share freely what matters to us.

19 thoughts on “Everything Matters

  1. Everything DOES, indeed matter. I love this post and the
    stories you shared. I’m reminded of character – that is – what we choose to do when no one is looking. In these stories someone was looking and inquired. We are living in extraordinary times and what we choose, especially when no one is looking really matters. Thank you, Karen. 🙏🏻💜

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