What can I do that will make a difference?

[Mari]

Do you remember this story? It's always been circulating on the 'net but I read it again today and it just touched me. If everyone reached out and just did one random act of kindness to a complete stranger, what kind of differences could we make in the world?

 

The Starfish Story

adapted from The Star Thrower

by Loren Eiseley

1907 - 1977

 

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

 

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

 

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

 

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

 

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

 

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

 

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

 

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

 

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "I made a difference to that one!"

 

 

Few stories have gained internet popularity the way "The Star Thrower" has. Most often it's sighted as "author unknown," but it is actually a classic from 1979 written by Loren Eiseley, who has been hailed as a modern day Henry David Thoreau.

 

Loren Eiseley was both a scientist and a poet, and to this day his writing is the subject of much discussion and inspiration. In this story he is the "wise man" touched by the innocence and determination of another soul.

 

"The Star Thrower" is a classic story of the power within each one of us to make a difference in the lives of others. And though it has appeared in many forms (sometimes it's a native american man who is throwing the starfish into the sea, sometimes it's a grandfather, or a young girl or boy) it is none the less a powerful reminder that we should be here for each other, and to seek to help, even in small ways, whenever we can.

 

In such turbulent times as these, when we may feel alone and small and unable to make any lasting changes we may find ourselves asking "What can I do that will make a difference?" or "What can one small person like me do?"

 

In reality we don't have to be rich, talented or even particularly intelligent to make a difference in the life of another. We just need to remember that we ARE here for a purpose, and that making small changes in the world eventually add up to something bigger in the life of another.

 

When we become throwers of the stars, we too, have the power to change the world

[x Trevor x]

I enjoyed reading this. It's very positive and uplifting. This is a story that should definitely be read by alot of people, especially in these times in a world ruled by power, money and greed.

 

Thank you for posting it. I enjoyed reading it.

[Dargon]

That was a very beautiful story. Thanks for posting

[phana14]

A beautiful 'story'.

 

In thinking about the message it sends, I realized that another way to take it is this: you can continue to do bad things as long as the tally at the end of your life shows at least ONE MORE good deed than bad!

 

I don't really understand why, but this just gave me an idea. While walking the beach (world) simply keep rotating your stock of starfish so that at any given moment in time you have a 'live' one available. Now. go ahead and do that dirty deed without concern for the consequence(s). Afterward, just reach into your 'kitty' and throw a starfish back into the ocean, thereby saving the life that would have otherwise ended on the beach. You can stay ahead of the 'game' that way!

[Nephylim]

Cynic !!!!

 

I loved the story. It is something I have always preached at my children in a slightly different way - maybe one person can't change the world but they can change their own little bit of it and if everyone changed just one little bit then the whole world changes... and as you never know when someone else is changing theirs you should always be trying to change yours.

[Stargazer]

That was a very uplifting story. Every little bit helps. Sometimes just a smile can do wonders ... sometimes it can't, too but when it can you can make someone's day!

[DragonFire]

A modern day take on this I guess is 'Pay it forward'. Where for every act of kindness made to you, you will return a similar gesture to someone else. Also the movie is pretty amazing as well.

[Stargazer]

That movie really was great! There's a commercial out there, too but I can't remember what it's for but it's got the same theme. I don't care what anyone says, I like Helen Hunt.

[phana14]

That movie really was great! There's a commercial out there, too but I can't remember what it's for but it's got the same theme. I don't care what anyone says, I like Helen Hunt.

 

Helen Hunt??

Are you referring to THE Helen Hunt from the movie where she shared the billing with Jack Nick?

OMG!! When she is standing at the creep's door in her rain-soaked tee.....I am melting here...Sooo sexy!

Ok! Back to work!

[Stargazer]

LOL! Are you being sarcastic?? Seriously, I like her movies!

[Johnathan Colourfield]

I did a play a few years ago with this sort of story being the main focus hehe Beautiful Story