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•  Why is it critical that you step up and shine right now?

I am saddened, actually that’s too weak a word, I am horrified at much of what I am seeing around the globe at the moment. I am shocked by the many examples of mans inhumanity to man.

Perhaps it has always been so, and it is just that social media and the www bring it all right up close. Constantly accessible on our hand held devices, which are omnipresent.

I have come close to despair and a sense of hopelessness at times. Tempted to switch off and turn away. Retreat to a safe place.

But I am an eternal optimist and I truly believe that even the smallest act of kindness can make a positive difference, and I know that we are all capable of acting with kindness, love and compassion.

•  Small acts of kindness and love

In the words of Gandalf “Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay …..small acts of kindness and love”

I am inspired and motivated by all of the ‘ordinary folk’ who have decided it is their time to step up and shine – to set up: food banks, clothes distribution centres, social cafes, adult education projects, aide to migrants and refugees. Ordinary people who have volunteered at refugee centres all over the world; medics who risk their lives in war zones; those who have stood peacefully and lovingly alongside Native Americans at Standing Rock.

We are not all, however, in a position to commit large amounts of time and resources, but we don’t have to perform great gestures or be in positions of power or influence to make a difference. We just need to do what we can do, no excuse, no putting off.

•  It is in the darkest of times when the smallest of lights can shine the brightest.

When I look up at the night sky, at first I see only darkness,
but then one by one, and then in large numbers, I see the stars.
Tiny specks of distant light, they take over the darkness.
Now when I look at the night sky, I see only the light. AW
Each of us can do something to make a difference. We can start by refusing to get drawn into the darkness, the place of blame, of hate and revenge.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Whether in the workplace, in your local community or globally, do you want to just accept ‘that’s how things are’, ‘it will never change’, ‘what can I do – I am but one person’? Or do you want to make a difference?

Now more than ever, its time for us all to step up– we owe it to ourselves and to those who follow us, to our children and their children. How do we want to be remembered? The generation who watched and did nothing? Or the generation who one by one, and then in great numbers – reached out to each other, with love and compassion?

When we are in a position of leadership, it is all the more important that we let our light shine to set an example to others and encourage them to do likewise, for as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same.

•  This next week I invite you to :

Without any reason;
give a compliment
give a smile to a stranger
give someone your last rolo!
Help people, even when you know they can’t help you back.
Care for people without any expectation.

………….and then watch how many more positive things happen for you. Positive thoughts generate positive feelings and attract positive life experiences.

Helping one person might not change the whole world but it could change the world for that one person.

I know it’s not always easy, we often have that little voice inside that tries to hold us back. Telling us that we have nothing to offer, that others might judge us, it might be too difficult, I might fail. Next week I will offer some tips and actions that might help you to ignite your spark and grow it into a shining beacon that will light the darkness, be it in your work, family or community life.

Have a great week!

Originally published on

springboardconsultancy.com by Angela Wilson