By Linda Commito
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.”—Margaret Mead
We all have within us this potential strength, especially when we believe that we can help to change the world for the better. It may not seem like that sometimes, but the truth is that we can each do something, even a little something, to make a positive difference in someone else’s life.
Sometimes, when we watch the daily news, it’s easy to be discouraged, and we may want to give up trying, but please don’t. You never know when something that you do or say can change someone’s world in some way. The hope lies in each of us.
I’d like to share with you one story that recently made me feel more hopeful: I watched a documentary about Jose Andres, who founded World Central Kitchen (WCK), and I was amazed at this man’s heroic efforts to feed millions of people. No one is born a hero. Jose grew up in Spain and left school at 14. He was fortunate to learn the art of cooking from his parents and later by a famous chef. He eventually opened his own restaurants in the United States. That may have been enough responsibility for most people, but knowing the importance of good food for survival, Chef Jose couldn’t sit by and watch the suffering of people in Puerto Rico during the hurricanes, nor the people of Haiti after the 2021 earthquake. He did what he knew best . . . and that was to feed people directly.
It was amazing that Jose could convince other chefs and restaurant owners in these ravaged countries to come together and cook together to feed those who had no resources for food. Initially, they found their own ways of getting to the people most in need, at their expense, without waiting for government resources and staff to help. It was only later that Chef Jose would receive funds and help through the efforts of people who posted, shared and donated. WCK.org was created to provide disaster relief in devastated communities. Ukraine is Jose’s most recent project. In one day, the “Chefs of Ukraine” fed 300,000 people, and they are providing millions of meals in Poland, Romania, and Hungary.
And locally, where I live in Sarasota, FL, one small yoga community—led by Transformation Coaching contributor Mary Boutieller—was able to support WCK’s efforts. She offered to donate any money that her students gave to her for outdoor yoga classes and ended up raising $2,250! I am deeply touched by the efforts of individuals all over the world and especially knowing that I live in such a loving and generous community. Herein lies my hope.“To the World you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world.”—Dr. Seuss
Linda Commito, author, speaker, entrepreneur, consultant and teacher, is passionate about her vision to leave this world a kinder, more loving, and interconnected place. Linda’s award-winning book of inspirational stories, Love Is the New Currency, demonstrates how we can each make an extraordinary difference in the lives of others through simple acts of love and kindness. Her latest project, the card game Just Ask 1 2 3, was inspired by a desire to connect people of all different ages, beliefs and lifestyles to share our individuality and find commonality. Linda also created “Kindness Starts with Me,” a program, book and website for children. For more information visit http://www.LoveistheNewCurrency.com or visit the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/Justask123game.