Rule #2
Put a dent in the universe
I love this rule, because there has always been a kernel of need inside of me to do something 'big' with my life.
As a girl I had dreams: to win a pulitzer prize, to become the next Mother Teresa, to end world hunger...
I still dream these dreams.
But in between loads of laundry, wiping bottoms, and reading the same Dora book for the seventh time, my mind begins to wonder: Am I putting a dent in the universe?
I do believe being a mother is putting a dent in the universe in a major way: a mother nurtures a miraculous life. It's as simple and extraordinary as that.
I do believe being a writer is sending ripples out into communities and beyond, because writers craft strings of words that cross barriers and break rules.
And I am truly content being a mother and a writer, but...
But I can't help the yearning I feel inside of me to go further, to join the Peace Corps or teach at an inner-city school, to put the brakes on society's materialistic pull on children or on human trafficking, or to, yes, win a pulitzer or a nobel prize in literature.
This second principle of Steve Jobs reminds me there is power in kindling a vision and not losing sight of it.
Why?
Because it is the journey we go on, the small steps we take each day to apply this principle to our lives, that puts a dent in the universe.
7 comments:
Kim, I like what our fellow commenter Lou Mello has said before, that even if we can't make a dent in the whole universe, we can certainly make an impact on our small corner of it. And raising great kids is definitely one way to do that.
Wow, Abby took the words right out of my mouth...when we live each day one step at a time and trying to do good, we will impact lives. We may never meet those people, but, we will have an impact in a positive way.
So, love your children, follow the Golden Rule and do good one step and one day at at time.
You are so articulate, Kim. You have such a talent for saying things in just right the right way. I think, YES. EXACTLY. That's just how I would have put it if I could.
As Abby said, we all make our dents, at least in our corners, but you are right - it's the desire to have an impact of some kind that keeps us trying for better.
I always wanted to join the Peace Corpse! But I got married and had a little boy instead. :-)
"I do believe being a mother is putting a dent in the universe in a major way: a mother nurtures a miraculous life. It's as simple and extraordinary as that." This line is just amazing and so true!! What a great post.
I think you are making more of a dent in the universe then you believe. Some "dents" aren't noticed for a very long time. Your influence here (via your blog posts), your influence with your children, your kindness and influence on others you come in contact with IRL... Although easily less noticed and totally undervalued - go WAY further then we as moms take credit for. I truly feel this way. (I wrote my last weeks on-the-go momma post on this and am very passionate about it :))
I've never thought of motherhood as making a dent in the universe. I will now. Great post Kim!
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