Albert_Schweitzer_1952Albert Schweitzer, M.D.
Image credits:
Nobel Foundation

Have you ever wondered if you were actually making a difference in the world? I certainly have asked myself that question, many times. Most of us will never achieve the level of world service that Albert Schweitzer, and others like him, did. But that does not mean we should do nothing.

When I first started on this spiritual path many years ago I had two goals. First, I wanted to create the life of my dreams; and second, I wanted to help others create the lives of their dreams. Little did I know back then those were not two separate dreams, but one and the same dream.

As time went on and I started taking my work public, I began to wonder if I was making any difference in people’s lives. I was doing what I loved. But was I helping others?

I had serious doubts, especially when others criticized me or my work—which, in the beginning, seemed often. Those of you whose work is in the public eye know what that’s like. After all, we’re never going to please everybody all the time.

After a few years I learned to get beyond the criticism. I was doing what I loved, and no longer cared what others thought of me. I cared about them, but not about their opinions of me, negative or positive.

But, every now and then, the old doubts and questions would rear their heads—though they almost never do any longer.

One time in particular, when I was questioning the value of my work, I received a letter from one of our readers. He was commenting on a video we had done, The Way of the Warrior.

His letter took me totally by surprise. He said he would have been dead had he not seen our video.

Talk about a wakeup call! I had no idea anything I wrote or said could make that much difference in someone’s life. Here’s that story.

So I guess the answer to the question our title asks is: “Much of the time we do not know—and we certainly do not always know.”

But if we’re committed to the work or the service we’re doing, then we have to ask ourselves another question: “Should it make any difference whether or not we know?”

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This is a short video of the Schweitzer quotations I’ve found most inspiring and uplifting. If you doubt your worth and your power to make a difference, Dr. Schweitzer will change your mind.

Related links:
The Loaded Gun
A Life Without Hatred
Are You Trying To Save the World?
Being True To Yourself


Have you had similar experiences where you made a positive difference in someone’s life? Please share your thoughts and comments with us.

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What other subjects would you like us to talk about in these posts? Please email me.

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About John Cali
John Cali is a writer, blogger, and channel for a group of spirit guides. His next book is Conversations With Spirit: Real Answers to Life’s Pesky Questions, Book 1. John lives in northwestern Wyoming. Sign up for his newsletter here.

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