A woman I know is smart, funny, creative and beautiful from the inside out. She presents a polished chicness to the world that is often the envy of others. She’s also overworked, stressed and in a dark place. She has two demanding jobs that take up a lot of her time. While the jobs have many wonderful moments, they can zap her spirit. She’s surrounded by people every day who expect her to solve their problems and make their lives and their work easier at all costs. That kind of responsiveness takes a toll. Sometimes she’s so far in the dark that she isn’t able to see the good she’s doing in the world.

I don’t think she’s alone. We all can feel the burden of the demands of our lives so intensely that our actions become a series of check marks on a task list. We get cranky. We can become resentful. We take out our frustrations on the people who love us the most. We start to wonder if we’re making a difference or if we’re just here on the planet to complete our to-dos.

Because of you, someone hears a song on the radio and smiles because it makes them think of you. Someone was able to enjoy cookies for a special treat because you helped them reach the box at the back of the grocery store shelf. Someone took time to relax and a read a book or a blog just because you recommended it. Someone traveled to where they were going just a little bit faster because you let them cut in front of you in traffic. Someone was reminded of the simple joy that comes from hugging a wiggly puppy because you shared your dog with them.

Never think you don’t have an impact.

Keep leaving them. Feed your spirit with them. The world needs more of you.