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Hi,
Last night I flew home from Paris after an absolutely fabulous three days with my sister Anne. If you've been getting my newsletter for awhile you may recall last November I shared how Anne had courageously called off her wedding (click here to read it) after realizing her heart wasn't fully in it.
Last night Anne was also in the air; on a UN plane bound for Karthoum (Sudan). On Wednesday she'll catch a World Food Program helicopter into Darfur where, for the next 6 months, she'll be the only international doctor in a refugee camp of 30,000 people with MSF (Doctors Without Borders).
Annie and I have had an absolutely magical time together the last few days. Rich in conversation, food and of course, the wonderful sights of Paris. It was, however, a teary farewell. Of course I always get teary saying good bye to my family (currently scattered across 5 continents) but knowing that Annie is heading into one of the most dangerous places on the globe had me even more emotional than usual.
Don't get me wrong though. I know she will be okay. Why? I just do. Helping people who are suffering has been something I remember she's wanted to do ever since she began playing dress-ups (she was always the nurse!). Helping people suffering as much as the displaced people in western Sudan was an opportunity she felt she simply could not pass up. I get it. And just as I know she will be okay, despite the very real risks, I also know that she will rise to the extra-ordinary challenges that will await her in the days and months ahead.
The conversations Anne and I have had the last few days have covered the full spectrum: from which shade of lipstick best suits us to how to end world poverty. We've laughed with (and at) each other, encouraged each other, challenged each other and also asked each other "What are we doing with our lives that matters?"
Her choice to volunteer for 6 months in Darfur makes my volunteer efforts pale in comparision. That's okay. We're not all called to do the same things. But I do think we're all obligated to ask ourselves how we can use our time, talents, resources and skills to make a positive difference in the world.
The word "service" has got a lot of airplay in recent years (and for just cause) but I think the notion of service is sometimes too narrowly defined. Service can come in many guises. From raising children in a loving environment to raising awareness about global issues. From doing our job with a cheerful spirit that lifts up those around us to building a successful business that provides opportunities for others for years to come. From creating works of art that bring beauty to the world to helping others see the beauty in themselves. All these are acts of service.
So my question to you is this: How does your life matter?
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What goal or dream could you pursue that would bring a deeper sense of meaning and fulfillment to your life?
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Where are you getting too caught up in your own little world and failing to look beyond your own needs to those of others?
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What greater purpose could you commit yourself to that would have you making a bigger difference and greater contribution with the unique talents, skills and resources that you have?
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Who, when the final day comes, would you like to have been for those who've crossed your path in life?
It's okay not to know the answers to these questions. Your answers, like mine, will evolve and grow as you do. The important thing though is that you take the time to ask yourself these important questions... again and again and again.
There are so many wonderful things that will never be done if you do not do them. And if you are thinking as you read this "Who am I to try to change the world?" then my answer is simple "Who are you not to!". If every person on earth decided to do just one act of kindness every day for just one person it would profoundly change the world. As the saying goes, "Think global, act local".
Right now, today, there are opportunities for you to live a life of more significance, greater contribution, deeper fulfillment. As I said to Annie as we parted ways yesterday, "You are capable of more than you think you are."
Live Boldly, Shine Brightly!
PS: Please forward this newsletter on to friends, family and colleagues you think may enjoy it.
PSS: If you would like to know more about the organization Doctors Without Borders and the aid work they do internationally visit www.msf.org | 
