A service to the world?

[lithera]

Sometimes I get caught up in wondering if I'm doing enough in the world. Doesn't everyone wonder if they could change the world somehow? Leave a mark that will be remembered? I can never think of any one thing I am good enough at to change the world with it but then again, there are many, many who fade into history.

This creeps up on me, wrapping itself around my ankles, from time to time. Especially when I have days where I feel less intelligent, less able to communicate effectively. It makes me want to get louder - HEAR ME! I HAVE THINGS TO SAY.

But, of course, so does everyone else. It is a hell of a cacophony out there.

Comments

[wandelrust.livejournal.com]

I actually feel the same way much of the time. I feel like I should be doing something more important with my life than writing software for a string of companies, all of which are basically looking for the next buck, rather than to revolutionize anything. I periodically consider trying to go work for someplace that's doing something Important, but I don't really have the skillset for it. Hell, my wife sends out applications to volunteer places all the time, and she's lucky if one in five even get back to her, so you can't even give away good intentions sometimes, it seems.

[mizkit.livejournal.com]

I think an awful lot of us run into that mental state. You do quite a lot, actually. Look at the caucus stuff you've done. That's genuinely important work. It may not be name-in-history-books, but it's honestly important stuff.

I think...that for me I've...I mean, I want to save the world. It clearly needs saving, to my perspective. But I have a hell of a time figuring out how, and so I sort of find myself trying to, if not save, at least help, an individual. Whether it's donating ten dollars to help somebody who's lost everything in a fire, or sponsoring a child through Plan International or helping buy one of my friends some piece of art they love, it's...*something*, at least. It makes a little difference in somebody's life. And that's not history-book stuff either, but it's a way to pay it forward, and I'm glad I can do that, at least.

[princessgeek.livejournal.com]

Yes, I felt that way which is why I left the software industry for teaching. I still feel that way but less so. At least I"m trying to make a difference.