Sometimes the thing that keeps catching your attention is not there by accident.
Maybe you noticed it because you are supposed to do something about it.
I have had many people come to me with detailed explanations about things they would like to see changed, improved, fixed, started, or brought into play.
As I listen, I often notice something interesting.
A lot of what they are describing seems to belong to THEM.
In other words, the very change they keep talking about may be calling them to help bring it about.
THAT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS CALLING YOU
I have tested this more than once.
After hearing someone out, I have asked:
“Would you like to participate?”
“Would you like to take this on?”
“Would you like to help make that happen?”
Many people light up.
They are thrilled.
They jump in.
And something inside them seems to say:
“Yes. That was mine.”
Others look surprised.
LOL.
They were apparently telling ME because they thought I was going to do it.
And then there are those who mainly enjoy the talking part.
Or the complaining part.
Plenty of observation.
Plenty of commentary.
Not much contribution.
That is worth noticing too.
GO SAY IT OR DO IT
If you have something worthwhile to say, then say it.
If you have something worthwhile to do, then do it.
Bring the desire full circle.
Sometimes we are not really waiting for opportunity.
We are waiting for permission.
Approval.
Validation.
Someone to say:
“Yes, you may begin.”
Well…
you may begin.
LOL.
There is plenty to say and plenty to do in everybody’s life.
FIRST YOU SEE IT — THEN WHAT?
There may be a reason certain things repeatedly get your attention.
You see something.
Then comes a reaction.
A passion.
A longing.
An irritation.
An observation.
A thought:
“Somebody should really do something about that.”
Careful.
You may have just nominated yourself.
LOL.
The second part is asking:
Why did this matter enough for ME to notice?
Why does this keep bothering me?
Why am I the one thinking about it?
Why do I already have three ideas about how to improve it?
Follow that.
The reason may reveal itself through action.
Sometimes purpose does not introduce itself by saying:
“Hello. I am your purpose.”
Sometimes it says:
“That trash needs picking up.”
“That person needs help.”
“That project needs somebody.”
“That conversation needs to happen.”
“That problem keeps calling your attention.”
And there you are.
MANY JUMP-IN POINTS
This does not have to be some giant world-changing mission.
The game of life has jump-in points everywhere.
You see someone struggling with bags on the way to their car.
Help.
You see trash accumulating where it should not be.
Pick it up.
You see somebody stressed while trying to do something difficult.
Offer a hand.
You see a confused person looking for directions.
Ask if they need help.
You see someone standing alone while everybody else is talking.
Go say hello.
You see a situation that could use encouragement.
Encourage.
Small action?
Maybe.
Small effect?
Not necessarily.
The world gets improved in very small pieces.
WHEREVER YOU GO THERE IS SOMETHING
There really is no end to things that need to be done, implemented, supported, directed, corrected, encouraged, cleaned up, organized, solved, or simply noticed.
I sometimes wonder why that is.
Maybe part of the answer is that life was never intended to be a spectator sport.
We are participants.
Players.
Contributors.
You do not have to solve everything.
Please do not try.
LOL.
But perhaps you can solve what is standing directly in front of you.
That is enough for today.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NOTICING AND SERVING
Lots of people notice.
Fewer people move.
That little space between:
“Somebody should…”
and
“I will…”
is where contribution begins.
You become useful when observation develops hands and feet.
You stop merely describing life and start helping shape it.
That feels different.
There is a satisfaction that comes from responding to something you know you could help.
Not for applause.
Not because someone assigned it.
Simply because it was there.
And so were you.
RICHIE SPEAKS
Here is a Richie rule worth trying:
If you keep seeing it…
investigate whether your name is on it.
LOL.
Not everything you notice belongs to you.
Use common sense.
Use discernment.
Use boundaries.
But do not automatically assume every problem belongs to “somebody else.”
Sometimes YOU are the somebody else everybody is waiting for.
PEARLS INSIGHT
Personal responsibility often begins with awareness. When we notice unmet needs, unresolved problems, or opportunities to help, that awareness can become an invitation to participate. Taking appropriate action builds initiative, self-reliance, purpose, community, and personal satisfaction.
PEARLS CONNECTION
This Pearl connects with purpose, common sense, belief, conscience, and knowing who you are.
Purpose helps you recognize what matters.
Common sense helps you decide whether and how to act.
Belief gets you moving.
Conscience reminds you that other people matter.
And action turns all of that into contribution.
FINAL THOUGHT
Maybe seeing something is the first half of the message.
The second half may be:
Now what are you going to do about it?
Jump in where it makes sense.
Help where you can.
Say what needs saying.
Do what needs doing.
And do not underestimate the power of one person who stops pointing and starts participating.
That person becomes a player in the game of life.
Their own.
Their neighbor’s.
And the world at large.
— Richie
Pearls for the Soul
when you feed the soul, you feed everything.
https://pearlsforthesoul.com
Been expecting you